Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

The very idea of true patriotism is lost, and the term has been prostituted to the very worst of purposes. A patriot, sir! Why, patriots spring up like mushrooms!

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Gentlemen have talked a great deal of patriotism. A venerable word, when duly practiced.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

All those men have their price.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Have I given any symptoms of an avaricious disposition? Have I obtained any grants from the crown since I have been placed at the head of the treasury? Has my conduct been different from that which others in the same station would have followed?

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Is it no imputation to be arraigned before this House, in which I have sat forty years, and to have my name transmitted to posterity with disgrace and infamy?

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

I am called repeatedly and insidiously prime and sole minister.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Oh, do not read history, for that I know must be false.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

And here a most heinous charge is made, that the nation has been burdened with unnecessary expenses for the sole purpose of preventing the discharge of our debts and the abolition of taxes.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Whatever was the conduct of England, I am equally arraigned.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

It is but refusing to gratify an unreasonable or an insolent demand, and up starts a patriot.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

But I must think that an address to his majesty to remove one of his servants, without so much as alleging any particular crime against him, is one of the greatest encroachments that was ever made upon the prerogatives of the crown.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

Wherever they have been arraigned, a plain charge has been exhibited against them. They have had an impartial trial and have been permitted to make their defense.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

I can not, therefore, see how this can be imputed as a crime, or how any of the king's ministers can be blamed for his doing what the public has no concern in; for if the public be well and faithfully served it has no business to ask by whom.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

It has from the beginning been carried on with as much vigor and as great care of our trade as was consistent with our safety at home and with the circumstances we were in at the beginning of the war.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

If they are really persuaded that the army is annually established by me, that I have the sole disposal of posts and honours, that I employ this power in the destruction of liberty and the diminution of commerce, let me awaken them from their delusion.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

I have never been afraid of making patriots; but I disdain and despise all their efforts.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

But I have the satisfaction, at the same time, to reflect that the impression to be made depends upon the consistency of the charge and the motives of the prosecutors.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

No expense has been incurred but what has been approved of and provided for by Parliament.

Robert Walpole
Robert Walpole

The public treasure has been duly applied to the uses to which it was appropriated by Parliament, and regular accounts have been annually laid before Parliament, of every article of expense.