Robert Walpole Quotes

It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Though I admire republican principles in theory, yet I am afraid the practice may be too perfect for human nature. We tried a republic last century, and it failed. Let our enemies try next. I hate political experiments.

Every man has his price.

[Read] anything but history,.. for history must be false.

The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!

I can not, therefore, see how this can be imputed as a crime, or how any of the king's ministers can be blamed for his doing what the public has no concern in; for if the public be well and faithfully served it has no business to ask by whom.

Whatever was the conduct of England, I am equally arraigned.

The gratitude of place-expectants is a lively sense of future favours.

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

I will not attempt to deny the reasonableness and necessity of a party war; but in carrying on that war all principles and rules of justice should not be departed from.

I have lived long enough in the world, Sir, . . . to know that the safety of a minister lies in his having the approbation of this House. Former ministers, Sir, neglected this, and therefore they fell; I have always made it my first study to obtain it.

I have never been afraid of making patriots; but I disdain and despise all their efforts.

If they are really persuaded that the army is annually established by me, that I have the sole disposal of posts and honours, that I employ this power in the destruction of liberty and the diminution of commerce, let me awaken them from their delusion.

All history is a lie!

Persons extremely reserved are like old enamelled watches, which had painted covers, that hindered your seeing what o'clock it was.

No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament.

I took the right sow by the ear.

All those men have their price.

Many words are not wanting to show that the particular view of each court occasioned the dangers which affected the public tranquillity; yet the whole is charged to my account. Nor is this sufficient.

IT has been observed by several gentlemen, in vindication of this motion, that if it should be carried, neither my life, liberty, nor estate will be affected.

Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy?