Benjamin Disraeli

"The present state of affairs makes me tremble. Old England seems to be tumbling to pieces. I believe that if Constantinople were occupied by a foreign Power to-morrow, we should not stir a foot. Could…"

"Free trade is not a principle; it is an expedient."

"He told Lord Esher that, in talking with the Queen, he observed a simple rule: "I never deny; I never contradict; I sometimes forget."

"The hon. Gentleman has said, in a most extraordinary manner, that our security for peace at the present day is the desire of nations to keep at home. There is a great difference between nationality an…"

"Had it not been for you, I should have remained what I was when we first met, a prejudiced, narrow-minded being, with contracted sympathies and false knowledge, wasting my life on obsolete trifles, an…"

"What I see in the amendment is not an assertion of great principles, which no man honours more than myself. What is at the bottom of it is rather that principle of peace at any price which a certain p…"

"What may be the fate of the Eastern part of Europe it would be arrogant for me to speculate upon. ... But I am sure that as long as England is ruled by English Parties who understand the principles on…"

"The life of this people greatly accords with my taste, which is naturally somewhat indolent and melancholy. ... To repose on voluptuous ottomans and smoke superb pipes, daily to indulge in the luxurie…"