In taking stock of a politician, the first question is not whether he was a good man who used righteous means, but whether he was successful in gaining power, in keeping it, and in governing; whether, in short, he was skilful at his particular craft or a bungler.
Frederick Scott Oliver (1931). “The Endless Adventure: An introductory essay on politcs and politicians. From the flight of James II. to the accession of George I. (1688-1714) Stanhope and Sunderland (1714-1721) Townshend and Walpole (1721-1727)”
