No alliance is safe which is made with those that are superior to us in
power. Though they lay themselves under the most strict and solemn ties
at the opening of the congress, yet the first advantageous opportunity
will tempt them to break the treaty; and they will never want specious
pretences to furnish out their declarations of war. It is not easy to
determine, whether it is more stupid and ridiculous for a community to
trust itself first in the hands of those that are more powerful than
themselves, or to wonder afterwards that their confidence and credulity
are abused, and their properties invaded.