Thomas Paine: “The vanity and presumption of governing beyond the grave is the most ridiculous and insolent of all tyrannies.”

He writes neither in the character of a Frenchman nor an Englishman, but in the fawning character of that creature known in all countries, and a friend to none--a courtier.

The argument changes from hereditary rights to hereditary wisdom; and the question is, Who is the wisest man?

A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.

The Aristocracy had hitherto opposed the despotism of the Court, and affected the language of patriotism; but it opposed it as its rival (as the English Barons opposed King John) and it now opposed the nation from the same motives.