Edmund Burke: “Grand, swelling sentiments of liberty I am sure I do not despise.”

The improvements of the National Assembly are superficial, their errors fundamental.

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.

They will become flatterers instead of legislators,--the instruments, not the guides of the people.

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!