We have stood alone in that which is called isolation — our splendid isolation, as one of our colonial friends was good enough to call it.

Speech at Lewes (26 February 1896), as quoted in the NED, vol. 5 (1901), p. 508, s.v. 'Isolation'. Copied from the NED by Harry B. Polland in Notes and Queries, ser. 11, no. 128 (8 June 1912), p. 454. See also: Wilfrid Laurier