Enlightened absolutists held that royal power emerged not from divine right but from a social contract whereby the ruler had a duty to govern wisely.

Considering where you came from, you must find us stuffy and self-centered, but we have really tried to govern wisely.

Most lack enough understanding of policy, budgets, programs, or politics to govern wisely.

To govern wisely, the legislature will have to say no repeatedly.

But this new giving is increasingly dependent on proof that its recipients are controlling corruption and governing wisely.

In the beginning we governed wisely.

Philip governed wisely with the aid of Robert d'Aire, whose role was almost that of a prime minister.

I governed wisely and justly, did I not?

Wise is the Empire to accept and govern wisely those who wish such governing.

But no Haitian leader or leaders, however good their intentions, will be able to govern wisely if they have no institutions to rely on.