Explanation: All government, indeed every human benefit and enjoyment, every virtue, and every prudent act, is founded on compromise and barter. We balance inconveniences; we give and take; we remit some rights that we may enjoy others: and we choose rather to be happy citizens than subtle disputants.

Answer: The lines occur in Burke’s “Speech on Conciliation with America”, an unforgettable piece in the tradition of British parliamentary speeches. Burke here states that in order to establish a lasting relationship with the American colonies England should remit some rights and grant the Americans what is their due.

From the very outset, Burke is in favor of conciliation with the American colonies. He puts forward arguments in favor of his resolution of conciliation. Burke says that “Man acts from adequate motives relative to his interest, and not on metaphysical speculations.” In the same fashion, he urges the members of the House to consider the matter practically. He is a practical politician who considers expediency as a cardinal principle to be followed in dealing with political problems. To this practical politician, expediency in politics is an important factor. He rightly understands that in the political sphere give and take principle exerts a dominant force. He understands that without granting certain “local privileges” to the subjects the rights of the authority cannot be established. He is in favor of sacrificing certain rights in order to “be happy citizens”.

Burke’s political ideology is evident in the quoted lines. It is the pragmatic Burke who is speaking here. His deep understanding of human relations and the basis of governments is also notable. Burke’s political prudence is at the core of the quoted lines. His ultimate goal is not to lose America – “a noble object. It is an object well worth fighting for.”