On the record
When despotism in France was ‘tempered by epigram,’ the sharp tongues of the wits spoke, after a sort, the constitution of the country,--a positive law whose sanction was ridicule.
Source
gutenberg.orgWoodrow Wilson: “When despotism in France was ‘tempered by epigram,’ the sharp tongues of the wits spoke, after a sort, the constitution…”
Editor's note · Context
Wilson uses a historical reference to illustrate how satire and wit can reflect societal norms and laws, even under despotism.
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