It is not difficult to imagine one of our countrymen saying, with Shakespeare’s Jew, “The villany you teach me I will execute, and it shall go hard but I will better the instruction”; nor is it difficult to imagine an Englishman firm in his conceit that no apology can be made and nothing paid.
He uses a Shakespearean reference to illustrate the potential for vengeance and pride in international relations.
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More from Charles Sumner
The only Constitutional party and party of freedom, VII. 38.
Opening of United States courts to colored, XI. 389.
Consent of the governed necessary in forming new governments of, XII. 298.
Disunion no remedy for grievances of, VII. 33.
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