Are we aware of our obligations to a mob? It is the mob that labor in your fields and serve in your houses — that man your navy, and recruit your army — that have enabled you to defy the world, and can also defy you when neglect and calamity have driven them to despair. You may call the people a mob; but do not forget that a mob too often speaks the sentiments of the people.
The mob has many heads but no brains.
The mob is man voluntarily descending to the nature of the beast. Its fit hour of activity is night. Its actions are insane like its whole constitution. It persecutes a principle; it would whip a right; it would tar and feather justice, by inflicting fire and outrage upon the houses and persons of those who have these. It resembles the prank of boys, who run with fire-engines to put out the ruddy aurora streaming to the stars.
The nose of a mob is its imagination. By this, at any time, it can be quietly led.
The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.