'Tis our true policy to steer clear of permanent alliances, with any portion of the foreign world--so far, I mean, as we are now at liberty to do it.

Why forego the advantages of so peculiar a situation?--Why quit our own to stand upon foreign ground?--Why by interweaving our destiny with that of any part of Europe, entangle our peace and prosperity in the toils of European ambition, rivalship, interest, humour or caprice?

The statesman cannot govern without stability of belief, true or false.

It is strange so great a statesman should Be so sublime a poet.

If one has no better method of enticement to offer, the cordial agreement seems to us to be the best compromise. [Fr., Si l'on n'a pas de meilleurs moyen de seduction a lui offrir, l'entente cordiale nous parait fort compromise.]

An ambassador is an honest man sent to lie abroad for the commonwealth. [Lat., Legatus est vir bonus peregre missus ad mentiendem rei publicae causae.]