The apparent rulers of the English nation are like the imposing personages of a splendid procession: it is by them the mob are influenced; it is they whom the spectators cheer. The real rulers are secreted in second-rate carriages. . .
Source: The English Constitution, ch. 8 (1867).
-- Walter Bagehot, (Feb 3 1826-1877), English economist, editor, critic, analyst; He founded and edited The Economist 1860-77; wrote English Constitution, 1867.