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?

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

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

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.

Nursed by stern men with empires in their brains.

Nursed by stern men with empires in their brains.

I have the courage of my opinions, but I have not the temerity to
give a political blank cheque read more

I have the courage of my opinions, but I have not the temerity to
give a political blank cheque to Lord Salisbury.

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.

Ambassadors are the eye and ear of states.
[It., Gli ambasciadori sono l'occhio e l'orecchio degli stati.]

Ambassadors are the eye and ear of states.
[It., Gli ambasciadori sono l'occhio e l'orecchio degli stati.]

It is strange so great a statesman should
Be so sublime a poet.

It is strange so great a statesman should
Be so sublime a poet.

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.