Explain: Millions for defense but no one cent for tribute?

Question

i've looked it up, but nothing helped. i don't get wat it means. well actually when i think about it i do but when it comes to saying it or writing it down the idea goes away. so i'm asking this {so i won't get it wrong on a test} what does it mean? thanks a ton if u could answer my question.

Answer 1

Famous quote by harper.  Link below.

http://www.bartleby.com/73/804.html

Answer 2

Well, tribute is paid to a superior...a conqueror...so I would think this mean we will pay all we have to defend our freedom and not ever bow to a conqueror