There can be no greater error than to expect, or calculate, upon real favors from nation to nation. It is an illusion which experience must cure, which a just pride ought to discard.
ATTRIBUTION:
George Washington (1732–1799), U.S. general, president. speech, Sept. 17, 1796. Farewell Address, vol. 35, The Writings of George Washington, ed. John C. Fitzpatrick (1940).
