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.

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.

Tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound your adversaries.

Tell the truth, and so puzzle and confound your adversaries.

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?

Spheres of influence.

Spheres of influence.

'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.

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.]

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.]