Not in the least. I have but one ambition.
And that is — ?
To be the serviceable slave of my country.
A master is more serviceable than a slave, said the old man.
No; no; I deny it. I can admit much from you, but I cannot admit that. The politician who becomes the master of his country sinks from the statesman to the tyrant.

Ch. 58 - Phineas Redux (1874)