Page:A Vindication of Natural Society - Burke (1756).djvu/58

 Welfare. This originally formed what is called an Aristocracy. They hoped, it would be impossible that such a Number could ever join in any Design against the general Good; and they promised themselves a great deal of Security and Happiness, from the united Counsels of so many able and experienced Persons. But it is now found by abundant Experience, that an Aristocracy, and a Despotism, differ but in Name; and that a People, who are in general excluded from any Share of the Legislative, are to all Intents and Purposes, as much Slaves, when twenty, independent of them, govern, as when but one domineers. The Tyranny is even more felt, as every Individual of the Nobles has the Haughtiness of a Sultan; the People are more miserable, as they seem on the Verge of Liberty, from which they are for ever debarred; this Prospect, whilst it presents a vain Shadow of Happiness to the Subject, binds faster the Chains of their Subjection; what is left undone, by the natural Ava-