Robert Walpole quotes

Robert Walpole was a British statesman who is generally regarded as the first Prime Minister of Great Britain. His long tenure shaped the modern role of the office and established key precedents for the British parliamentary system. He became known for his political skill and ability to maintain stability during a complex period in British history. Here are 36 of his quotes:

I will not attempt to deny the reasonableness and necessity of a party war; but in carrying on that war all principles and rules of justice should not be departed from.

Robert Walpole

Let sleeping dogs lie.

Robert Walpole

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

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

The gratitude of place-expectants is a lively sense of future favours.

Robert Walpole

Anything but history, for history must be false.

Robert Walpole

I dare be bold to affirm that, had the King of France beaten us, as we have done him, he would have been so modest as to have given us better terms than we have gained after all our glorious victories.

Robert Walpole

The most unrighteous judgment was passed upon me in the House that was ever heard of...against the most positive evidence that it was possible in any case to give. ... I am made a sacrifice to the violence of a party and entirely innocent.

Robert Walpole

It is obvious, that the people of England are at this moment animated against each other, with a spirit of hatred and rancour. It behoves you, in the first place, to find a remedy for these distempers which at present are predominant in the civil constitution.

Robert Walpole

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

Robert Walpole

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

Robert Walpole

IT has been observed by several gentlemen, in vindication of this motion, that if it should be carried, neither my life, liberty, nor estate will be affected.

Robert Walpole

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

Robert Walpole

Many words are not wanting to show that the particular view of each court occasioned the dangers which affected the public tranquillity; yet the whole is charged to my account. Nor is this sufficient.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Admitting, however, for the sake of argument, that I am prime and sole minister in this country, am I, therefore, prime and sole minister of all Europe? Am I answerable for the conduct of other countries as well as for that of my own?

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