The angry Buzz of a Multitude is one of the bloodiest Noises in the World.
Of Government.
An exact Administration, and good choice of proper Instruments doth insensibly make the Government in a manner absolute without assuming it.
The best Definition of the best Government is, that it hath no Inconveniences but such as are supportable; but Inconveniences there must be.
The Interest of the Governors and the Governed is in reality the same, but by Mistakes on both Sides it is generally very differing. He who is a Courtier by Trade, and the Country Gentleman who will be popular, right or wrong, help to keep up this unreasonable Distinction.
There are as many apt to be angry at being well, as at being ill governed. For most Men to be well governed must be scurvily used.
As Mankind is made, the keeping it in order is an ill-natured Office.
It is like a great Galley where the Officers must be whipping with little Intermission, if they will do their Duty.
It is in a disorderly Government as in a River, the lightest Things swim at the top.
A Nation is best to be judged by the Government it is under at the time. Mankind is moulded to good or ill, according as the Power over it is well or ill directed. A Nation is a Mass of Dough, it is the Government that kneadeth it into Form.