Robert Walpole Quotes

It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.

Let sleeping dogs lie.

All those men have their price.

[Read] anything but history,.. for history must be false.

The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!

I took the right sow by the ear.

I will not attempt to deny the reasonableness and necessity of a party war; but in carrying on that war all principles and rules of justice should not be departed from.

Every man has his price.

Persons extremely reserved are like old enamelled watches, which had painted covers, that hindered your seeing what o'clock it was.

No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament.

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

Whatever was the conduct of England, I am equally arraigned.

Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy?

IT has been observed by several gentlemen, in vindication of this motion, that if it should be carried, neither my life, liberty, nor estate will be affected.

I have never been afraid of making patriots; but I disdain and despise all their efforts.

The gratitude of place-expectants is a lively sense of future favours.

All history is a lie!

Oh, do not read history, for that I know must be false.