1896. COURTS (Monarchical), Character of.—
Courts are to be seen as you would see
the tower of London, or menagerie of Versailles
with their lions, tigers, hyenas and
other beasts of prey, standing in the same relation
to their fellows. A slight acquaintance
with them will suffice to show you that, under
the most imposing exterior, they are the
weakest and worst part of mankind. Their
manners, could you ape them, would not
make you beloved in your own country, nor
would they improve it could you introduce
them there to the exclusion of that honest
simplicity now prevailing in America, and
worthy of being cherished.—
Travelling Hints. Washington ed. ix, 405.
(1788)
