"Though the topic of Africa is said to be 'embarrassing and inconvenient,' it need not occasion any uneasiness at all; but if the British Government surrenders any portion of the territory reserved for the sphere of British influence, it may become most terribly embarrassing within a measurable period of time."—Stanley's Reply to Lord Salisbury.
Stanley, loquitur:—
History repeats itself! Perhaps it may do,
But "with a difference." The moral Sages
Think that if anyone holds wisdom, they do;
But not all sense is stored in pedant's pages.
Historic parallels, from Plutarch downwards,
Are rather pretty fancies than realities.
I am no book-worm, have no leanings gownwards.
And set small store by moralist's banalities.