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Cæsar. Such was Thebes, and such was Athens in the time of Philip. That Athens, where the bare sound of appropriating to the calamities of the state, a small part of the stock-purse for public amusements, created an absolute rebellion.
The subject, Sir, upon which I address you, contains much matter, and a vast complexity of argument. It imperceptibly leads to digression. I fear that all I have said is not apposite to the plan of defending Lord Shelburne; but I have not deviated wantonly, and shall be more in order for the remainder of this letter.
The antagonists of the Earl of Shelburne will no doubt arrogate an infinite merit to themselves for having acted towards the people precisely as they engaged to act. Great promises lessen credit, said Mr. Burke. Multa fidem promissa levant. They have a right to say—we gave justice to Ireland, and she gave us in return an unusual gratitude[1], an accession of strength equal to ten ships of the line.—Had our advice been accepted an open and honourable conduct should have been held towards
- ↑ If Ireland is not satisfied, her discontent is not chargeable upon the Rockingham administration. They recognized her rights exactly in the way she prescribed.
