George Santayana had the chance to observe our national character at the height of Empire.

Britain’s colonies were founded to supply her Government with gold, but instead they supplied her people with liberty.

Adam Smith credited the British Empire’s success not to the policy of her Government, but to the character of her people.

George Canning warned the Commons to be very careful about their plans for reform.

George Canning urged Britain not to bring Continental Europe’s topsy-turvy politics home by getting too closely involved.

Poet Percy Shelley calls on November’s sister months to watch by the graveside of the dead Year.