They admit of exceptions; they demand modifications.

These exceptions and modifications are made, not by the process of logic but by the rules of prudence.

Prudence is not only first in rank of the virtues political and moral, but she is the director, the regulator, the standard of them all." Nor did he hesitate to draw the obvious conclusion.

"This," he said, "is the true touchstone of all theories which regard man and the affairs of men--does it suit his nature in general, does it suit his nature as modified by his habits ?" Of the truth of this general attitude it is difficult to make denial.
But when Burke came to apply it to the British Constitution the "rules of prudence" he was willing to admit are narrow enough to cause surprised enquiry.

He did not doubt that the true end of a legislature was "to give a direction, a form, a technical dress ...