The wretched scheme of your present masters is not to fit the Constitution to the people, but wholly to destroy conditions, to dissolve relations, to change the state of the nation, and to subvert property, in order to fit their country to their theory of a Constitution.
Burke criticizes the current rulers for attempting to dismantle the existing social order to fit their theoretical ideals.
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They have not more notes in their song than the cuckoo; though, far from the softness of that harbinger of summer and plenty, their voice is as harsh and as ominous as that of the raven.
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.
Of this consolation whoever deprives them deadens their industry, and strikes at the root of all acquisition as of all conservation.
In some people I see great liberty, indeed; in many, if not in the most, an oppressive, degrading servitude.
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