It is the common fate of the indolent to see their rights become a prey to the active.

Curran stood as Member of Parliament (MP) for Kilbeggan in 1783. The year 1796 saw Curran again attacking the character of a peer the Earl of Westmeath in a civil case. " (Also attributed to Edmund Burke; the quote cannot be definitely traced to either man.

John Philpot Curran (24 July 1750 – 14 October 1817) was an Irish orator politician and wit born in Newmarket County Cork. He was the son of James and Sarah Curran.