Edmund Burke: “Never did oppression light the nuptial torch; never did extortion and usury spread out the genial bed.”

Rome, under her emperors, united the evils of both systems; and this unnatural combination was one great cause of her ruin.

This is the result of all the delusions held out to engage a miserable people in rebellion, murder, and sacrilege, and to make them prompt and zealous instruments in the ruin of their country!

There are some follies which baffle argument, which go beyond ridicule, and which excite no feeling in us but disgust; and therefore I say no more upon it.

But to form a free government, that is, to temper together these opposite elements of liberty and restraint in one consistent work, requires much thought, deep reflection, a sagacious, powerful, and combining mind.