as if he were afraid that England and France would cease to be
enemies. That there are men in all countries who get their living by
war, and by keeping up the quarrels of Nations, is as shocking as it
is true; but when those who are concerned in the government of a
country, make it their study to sow discord and cultivate prejudices
between Nations, it becomes the more unpardonable.

With respect to a paragraph in this work alluding to Mr. Burke's
having a pension, the report has been some time in circulation, at
least two months; and as a person is often the last to hear what
concerns him the most to know, I have mentioned it, that Mr. Burke
may have an opportunity of contradicting the rumour, if he thinks
proper.

      Thomas Paine

PAINE'S PREFACE TO THE FRENCH EDITION

The astonishment which the French Revolution has caused throughout
Europe should be considered from two different points of view: first
as it affects foreign peoples, secondly as it affects their
governments.

The cause of the French people is that of all Europe, or rather of
the whole world; but the governments of all those countries are by no
means favorable to it. It is important that we should never lose
sight of this distinction. We must not confuse the peoples with their
governments; especially not the English people with its government.

The government of England is no friend of the revolution of France.