18th-century Monarch Quotes

George III of the United Kingdom

Louis XVI of France

William IV of the United Kingdom

Qianlong Emperor

I can never suppose this country so far lost to all ideas of self-importance as to be willing to grant America independence; if that could ever be adopted I shall despair of this country being ever preserved from a state of inferiority and consequently falling into a very low class among the European States.

George III of the United Kingdom

By patronizing the Yellow Church we maintain peace among the Mongols. This being an important task we cannot but protect this (religion). (In doing so) we do not show any bias, nor do we wish to adulate the Tibetan priests as (was done during the) Yuan dynasty.

Qianlong Emperor

I know no person so perfectly disagreeable and even dangerous as an author.

William IV of the United Kingdom

Last words:

Frenchmen, I die innocent: it is from the scaffold and near appearing before God that I tell you so. I pardon my enemies: I desire that France …

Louis XVI of France