Quotes on Ascendancy

I am for freedom of religion, and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendency of one sect over another.

I am able to say that I was very much liked at the school. I even had quite some ascendancy over my comrades, and as soon as I appeared in the school yard, I was surrounded by young friends, most of them bigger than I, but who were quite willing to give the appearance of disciples; they would have defended me furiously if necessary.