Of the various forms of government which have prevailed in the world, an hereditary monarchy seems to present the fairest scope for ridicule. Is it possible to relate, without an indignant smile, that, on the father's decease, the property of a nation, like that of a drove of oxen, descends to his infant son, as yet unknown to mankind and to himself; and that the bravest warriors and the wisest statesmen, relinquishing their natural right to empire, approach the royal cradle with bended knees and protestations of inviolable fidelity?
Satire and declamation
may paint these obvious topics in the most dazzling colours,
but our more serious thoughts will respect a useful
prejudice, that establishes a rule of succession,
independent of the passions of mankind; and we shall
cheerfully acquiesce in any expedient which deprives the
multitude of the dangerous, and indeed the ideal, power of
giving themselves a master. Volume one chapter seven.
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