But they who prophesy pleasant things get great present applause; and in days of calamity people have something else to think of: they lose, in their feeling of their distress, all memory of those who flattered them in their prosperity.
Burke reflects on the fleeting nature of public favor during times of crisis.
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In all this procedure I can discern neither the solid sense of plain dealing nor the subtle dexterity of ingenious fraud.
In some people I see great liberty, indeed; in many, if not in the most, an oppressive, degrading servitude.
Not being illuminated with the light of which the gentlemen of France tell us they have got so abundant a share, they acted under a strong impression of the ignorance and fallibility of mankind.
They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.
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