Discontent (popular)

.—In the aristocratic dictionary, sedition. When people, vexed and goaded by oppression, express discontent, aristocracy deems it sedition. The Judges tell them they have no right to complain; things cannot be better, and the law finally condemns them to the pillory, fine, and two years confinement in one of his Majesty’s Bastilles, there to learn patience, resignation, and submission. “When popular discontents have been very prevalent, it may safely be affirmed that there has been something amiss in the constitution, or in the conduct of the Government.” Mr. Burke’s opinion has since undergone a complete revolution.