The first of earthly blessings, independence. (Edward Gibbon)
I will not dissemble the first emotions of joy on the recovery of my freedom, and, perhaps, the establishment of my fame. But my pride was soon humbled, and a sober melancholy was spread over my mind, by the idea that I had taken an everlasting leave of an old and agreeable companion, and that whatsoever might be the future date of my History, the life of the historian must be short and precarious. (Edward Gibbon)
Their poverty secured their freedom, since our desires and our possessions are the strongest fetters of despotism. (Edward Gibbon)
Corruption, the most infallible symptom of constitutional liberty. (Edward Gibbon)