Independence was a doctrine scarce and rare, even towards the conclusion of the year 1775; all our politics had been founded on the hope of expectation of making the matter up--a hope, which, though general on the side of America, had never entered the head or heart of the British court.
Paine observes that the concept of American independence was initially uncommon, as most political efforts focused on reconciliation, a hope not shared by the British court.
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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.
It has nothing to dread from attacks; truth has given it an establishment, and time will record it with a name as lasting as his own.
To possess ourselves of a clear idea of what government is, or ought to be, we must trace it to its origin.
He must now show that every one in the line of hereditary succession was a Solomon, or his title is not good to be a king.