But miserable works have been defended by the
constancy of the garrison. Weather-beaten ships have been brought safe
to port by the spirit and alertness of the crew. But it is here that we
shall eminently fail. The day that, by their consent, the seat of
regicide has its place among the thrones of Europe, there is no longer a
motive for zeal in their favour; it will at best be cold, unimpassioned,
dejected, melancholy duty. The glory will seem all on the other side.
The friends of the crown will appear, not as champions, but as victims;
discountenanced, mortified, lowered, defeated, they will fall into
listlessness and indifference. They will leave things to take their
course; enjoy the present hour, and submit to the common fate.
PARLIAMENTARY AND REGAL PREROGATIVE.
Your throne cannot stand secure upon the principles of unconditional
submission and passive obedience; on powers exercised without the
concurrence of the people to be governed; on acts made in defiance of
their prejudices and habits; on acquiescence procured by foreign
mercenary troops, and secured by standing armies. These may possibly
be the foundation of other thrones: they must be the subversion of
yours. It was not to passive principles in our ancestors that we owe
the honour of appearing before a sovereign, who cannot feel that he
is a prince, without knowing that we ought to be free.
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