Quote #7

I want the seals of power and place, The ensigns of command, Charged by the people's unbought grace, To rule my native land. Nor crown, nor scepter would I ask But from my country's will, By day, by night, to ply the task Her cup of bliss to fill.

More from John Quincy Adams

  1. My wants are many, and, if told, Would muster many a score; And were each wish a mint of gold, I still would want for more.
  2. The great problem of legislation is, so to organize the civil government of a community...that in the operation of human institutions upon …
  3. In charity to all mankind, bearing no malice or ill will to any human being, and even compassionating those who hold in bondage their fello…
  4. To furnish the means of acquiring knowledge is...the greatest benefit that can be conferred upon mankind. It prolongs life itself and enlar…
  5. This house will bear witness to his piety; this town, his birthplace, to his munificence; history to his patriotism; posterity to the depth…
  6. This hand, to tyrants ever sworn the foe,<br<For Freedom only deals the deadly blow; Then sheathes in calm repose the vengeful blade, For g…
  7. Individual liberty is individual power, and as the power of a community is a mass compounded of individual powers, the nation which enjoys …
  8. Who but shall learn that freedom is the prize Man still is bound to rescue or maintain; That nature's God commands the slave to rise, And o…

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