To bridle this and saddle it, and, as we say in Kentucky, to ride it a turn or two around the paddock or, still better, down the home-stretch of things accomplished, is another matter.

The real statesman must often do as he can, not as he would; the ideal statesman existing only in the credulity of those simple souls who are captivated by appearances or deceived by professions.
The nearest approach to the ideal statesman I have known was most grossly stigmatized while he lived.

I have Mr.Tilden in mind.

If ever man pursued an ideal life he did.

From youth to age he dwelt amid his fancies.