70, 22. Opposuit natura. Nature opposed.
70, 25. no theory. Compare 33, 11–25; 34, 1–18. Select other instances of Burke's impatience with fine-spun theories in statescraft.
71, 15. Republic of Plato. Utopia of More. Ideal states. Consult the Century Dictionary.
71, 19.
"And the dull swain
Treads daily on it with his clouted shoon"
—Milton's Comus, 6, 34, 35.
72, 3. the year 1763. The date marks the beginning of the active struggle between England and the American colonies. The Stamp Act was the first definite step taken by the English Parliament in the attempt to tax the colonies without their consent.
72, 6. legal competency. This had been practically recognized by Parliament prior to the passage of the Stamp Act. In Massachusetts the Colonial Assembly had made grants from year to year to the governor, both for his salary and the incidental expenses of his office. Notwithstanding the fact that he was appointed (in most cases) by the Crown, and invariably had the ear of the Lords of Trade, the colonies generally had things their own way and enjoyed a political freedom greater, perhaps, than did the people of England.
74, 14. This is not my doctrine, but that of Ofellus; a rustic, yet unusually wise.
75, 10. Compare in point of style with 43, 22–25; 44, 1–6. In what way do such passages differ from Burke's prevailng style? What is the central thought in each paragraph?
