This act of renunciation of itself, which resembled the heroism of disinterestedness, was in reality the sacrifice of the country; it was the ostracism of superior power, and an assurance of triumph to mediocrity.

A nation how rich soever in genius and virtue, never possesses more than a definite number of great citizens.

Nature is chary of superiority.

The social conditions necessary to form a public man are rarely in combination.

Intelligence, clear-sightedness, virtue, character, independence, leisure, fortune, consideration already acquired, and devotion,--all this is seldom united in one individual.