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I would rather not be a king than to forfeit my liberty.

You all know the reasons which have impelled me to renounce the throne. But I want you to understand that in making up my mind I did not forget the country or the empire, which, as Prince of Wales and lately as King, I have for twenty-five years tried to serve.

Your part can be the king, but unless people are treating you like royalty, you ain't no king, man.

I have mortally opposed the English king; I have stormed and taken the towns and castles which he unjustly claimed as his own.

Kings will be tyrants from policy, when subjects are rebels from principle.

I am an enemy to revolutions. I abhor, both from temper and from the clearest judgment I am able to form, all violent convulsions in the affairs of men.

I'm not a monarchist. But I'm English. And I have an irrational emotion for my country.

The enemies cannot destroy the king who has at his service the respect and friendship of the wise men who can find fault, disagree, and correct him.

I'm not a republican any more. Not so voraciously anyway - I'm not in favour of the concept of monarchy, but I do see the good in it if there's a good person in the role.

If the king refuses the constitution, I shall oppose him; if he accepts it, I shall defend him; and the day on which he gave himself up as my prisoner secured me more fully to his service than if he had promised me half his kingdom.