selfdefence

Updated: May 14, 2025

It is doubtless to be regretted that the nature of words and the nature of things do not admit of more accurate legislation: nor can it be denied that wrong will often be done when men are judges in their own cause, and proceed instantly to execute their own judgment. Yet who would, on that account, interdict all selfdefence?

Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay - The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 2

Leopold and Charles declared that they had not, even for purposes of just selfdefence, leagued themselves with heretics, till their enemy had, for purposes of unjust aggression, leagued himself with Mahometans. Nor was this the worst.

Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay - The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 3

If they had fancied that they were marked men, they might in selfdefence have become traitors. They became enthusiastically loyal as soon as they were assured that the Queen reposed entire confidence in their loyalty.

Baron Thomas Babington Macaulay Macaulay - The History of England, from the Accession of James II — Volume 4