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.
In "Rights of Man," Paine critiques the aristocracy's self-interested opposition to both the monarchy and the people during the French Revolution.
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It was become evident, that no constitution, worthy of being called by that name, could be established on anything less than a national ground.
Burke's Book is easily accounted for.--When a man in a wrong cause attempts to steer his course by anything else than some polar truth or principle, he is sure to be lost.
A knowledge of the practice was then joined to the theory; and all that was wanting to give it real existence was opportunity.
Many of the facts were in themselves principles; such as the declaration of American Independence, and the treaty of alliance between France and America, which recognised the natural rights of man, and justified resistance to oppression.