For monarchs seldom sigh in vain.

For monarchs seldom sigh in vain.

A substitute shines brightly as a king
Until a king be by, and then his state
Empties read more

A substitute shines brightly as a king
Until a king be by, and then his state
Empties itself, as dot an inland brook
Into the main of waters.

The king reigns but does not govern.
[Fr., Le roi regne, il ne gouverne pas.]

The king reigns but does not govern.
[Fr., Le roi regne, il ne gouverne pas.]

In good King Charles's golden days
When royalty no harm meant,
A zealous high-churchman was I,
read more

In good King Charles's golden days
When royalty no harm meant,
A zealous high-churchman was I,
And so I got preferment.

As ourselves your empires fall,
And every kingdom hath a grave.

As ourselves your empires fall,
And every kingdom hath a grave.

And kind as kings upon their coronation day.

And kind as kings upon their coronation day.

The throne of another is not stable for thee.
[Lat., Alieno in loco
Haud stabile regnum est.]

The throne of another is not stable for thee.
[Lat., Alieno in loco
Haud stabile regnum est.]

Princes that would their people should do well
Must at themselves begin, as at the head;
For read more

Princes that would their people should do well
Must at themselves begin, as at the head;
For men, by their example, pattern out
Their limitations, and regard of laws:
A virtuous court a world to virtue draws.

A prince, the moment he is crown'd,
Inherits every virtue sound,
As emblems of the sovereign power,
read more

A prince, the moment he is crown'd,
Inherits every virtue sound,
As emblems of the sovereign power,
Like other baubles in the Tower:
Is generous, valiant, just, and wise,
And so continues till he dies.