It is now to be seen whether he prefers the gratification of his resentment and his appetite for popularity, both of which are strong enough in him, to the advantages which his independence gives him, of making a new bargain, and accumulating new offices on his heap.
Burke analyzes the motivations of a political figure regarding personal ambition versus public service.
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Though a king may abdicate for his own person, he cannot abdicate for the monarchy.
The House of Lords, for instance, is not morally competent to dissolve the House of Commons,--no, nor even to dissolve itself, nor to abdicate, if it would, its portion in the legislature of the kingdom.
Their objects would be enlarged with their elevation; but their disposition, and habits, and mode of accomplishing their designs must remain the same.
Their trust for the future preservation of the Constitution was not in future revolutions.
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