This many-headed monster, Multitude.

This many-headed monster, Multitude.

He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to
death and no one thanks him read more

He who serves the public is a poor animal; he worries himself to
death and no one thanks him for it.
[Ger., Wer dem Publicum dient, ist ein armes Thier;
Er qualt sich ab, niemand bedankt sich dafur.]

The public! why, the public's nothing better than a great baby.

The public! why, the public's nothing better than a great baby.

No whispered rumours which the many spread can wholly perish.

No whispered rumours which the many spread can wholly perish.

I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated,
Especially since it lives and lets me live.
read more

I wish the crowd to feel itself well treated,
Especially since it lives and lets me live.
[Ger., Ich wunschte sehr, der Menge zu behagen,
Besonders weil sie lebt und leben lasst.]

. . . for thou art a stiff-necked people. . .

. . . for thou art a stiff-necked people. . .

The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.

The tyranny of a multitude is a multiplied tyranny.

For who can be secure of private right,
If sovereign sway may be dissolved by might?
Nor read more

For who can be secure of private right,
If sovereign sway may be dissolved by might?
Nor is the people's judgment always true:
The most may err as grossly as the few.

The rabble estimate few things according to their real value,
most things according to their prejudices.
[Lat., Vulgus read more

The rabble estimate few things according to their real value,
most things according to their prejudices.
[Lat., Vulgus ex veritate pauca, ex opinione multa aestimat.]