Their politics were more like those of the present powers of Europe, where kingdoms seek rather to spread their influence than to extend their dominion, to awe and weaken rather than to destroy.
Burke compares Roman politics to modern European powers, emphasizing a preference for influence over outright domination.
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They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
The body of the people must not find the principles of natural subordination by art rooted out of their minds.
This was reserved to our time, to quench the little glimmerings of reason which might break in upon the solid darkness of this enlightened age.
But when the leaders choose to make themselves bidders at an auction of popularity, their talents, in the construction of the state, will be of no service.
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