Alas! the few of us who have protracted life in any measure near to the extreme limits of our short period have been condemned to see strange things,--new systems of policy, new principles, and not only new men, but what might appear a new species of men.
Burke reflects on the strange changes in society and politics that he has witnessed over his lifetime.
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They look upon the legal hereditary succession of their crown as among their rights, not as among their wrongs,--as a benefit, not as a grievance,--as a security for their liberty, not as a badge of servitude.
Those who are servants in name, as well as in effect, do not like to be told of their situation, their duty, and their obligations.
No experience has taught us that in any other course or method than that of an hereditary crown our liberties can be regularly perpetuated and preserved sacred as our hereditary right.
But an absurd theory on one side of a question forms no justification for alleging a false fact or promulgating mischievous maxims on the other.
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