'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with
any portion of the foreign world--so far, I read more

'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with
any portion of the foreign world--so far, I mean, as we are now
at liberty to do it.

It is well indeed for out land that we of this generation have
learned to think nationally.

It is well indeed for out land that we of this generation have
learned to think nationally.

A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken
together, would by my standard of a statesman.

A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken
together, would by my standard of a statesman.

And statesmen at her council met
Who knew the seasons when to take
Occasion by the hand, read more

And statesmen at her council met
Who knew the seasons when to take
Occasion by the hand, and make
The bounds of freedom wider yet.

An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the
commonwealth.
[Lat., Legatus est vir bonus read more

An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the
commonwealth.
[Lat., Legatus est vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendem rei
publicae causae.]

No statesman e'er will find it worth his pains
To tax our labours and excise our brains.

No statesman e'er will find it worth his pains
To tax our labours and excise our brains.

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?--Why quit
our own to stand upon foreign ground?--Why by interweaving read more

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?--Why quit
our own to stand upon foreign ground?--Why by interweaving our
destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and
prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship,
interest, humour or caprice?

Nursed by stern men with empires in their brains.

Nursed by stern men with empires in their brains.

Peace. commerce, and honest friendship with all
nations--entangling alliances with none.

Peace. commerce, and honest friendship with all
nations--entangling alliances with none.