I think we might have found, before the rude hand of insolent office was on our shoulder, and the staff of usurped authority brandished over our heads, that contempt of the suppliant is not the best forwarder of a suit,--that national disgrace is not the high-road to security, much less to power and greatness.
Burke reflects on the futility of contempt in diplomatic negotiations and the dangers of national disgrace.
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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.
To tell the people that they are relieved by the dilapidation of their public estate is a cruel and insolent imposition.
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