So long as many old leaves linger on the November trees, you know that there has been little frost and no wind; just so while the House of Lords retains much power, you may know that there is no desperate discontent in the country, no wild agency likely to cause a great demolition.
Bagehot uses the metaphor of leaves on trees to illustrate that the power of the House of Lords reflects the absence of societal discontent.
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The power of free interchange of ideas being wanting, the ideas themselves were barren.
Carlyle has taught the present generation many lessons, and one of these is that 'God-fearing' armies are the best armies.
It is absurd to choose by contested party election an impartial chooser of Ministers.
Perhaps such powers as these are what a wise man would most seek to exercise and least fear to possess.
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