William Lamb, 2nd Viscount Melbourne

“I like the Garter; there is no damned merit in it.”

“Go and tell him that I will not see him, that I am ill. For I am ill, when I am to see a man that I do not like.”

“Why can't you let it alone?”

“The whole duty of a government is to prevent crime and to preserve contracts.”

“Nobody ever did anything very foolish except from some strong principle.”

“What all the wise men promised has not happened, and what all the damned fools said would happen has come to pass.”

“Things are coming to a pretty pass when religion is allowed to invade private life.”

“The possession of power doesn't increase the aptitude for using it.”

“Be sure, Madam, that you have men about you who will tell you the truth.”

“God help the Minister that meddles with art.”

“It is tiresome to be always saying 'no'.”

“While you are considering what to do, the man who is not considering has taken the town.”

“I am for a Cautious, Moderate, Gradual, and Safe Reform.”

“Education may be a very good thing, but it is not the main thing.”

“All the practical men I have ever known have been disastrous.”

“Try to be idle. It is astonishing how much you will be able to do.”