Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by read more

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

We grow small trying to be great.

We grow small trying to be great.

As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him.

As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him.

Ambition has no rest!

Ambition has no rest!

Ambition often puts men upon doing the meanest offices; so climbing is performed in the same position with creeping.

Ambition often puts men upon doing the meanest offices; so climbing is performed in the same position with creeping.

By low ambition and the thirst of praise.

By low ambition and the thirst of praise.

Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.

Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.

But what will not ambition and revenge
Descend to? who aspires must down as low
As high read more

But what will not ambition and revenge
Descend to? who aspires must down as low
As high he soar'd, obnoxious first and last
To basest things.