I knew him tyrannous; and tyrants' fears
Decrease not, but grow faster than the years;
And should read more

I knew him tyrannous; and tyrants' fears
Decrease not, but grow faster than the years;
And should he doubt it, as no doubt he doth,
That I should open to the list'ning air
How many worthy princes' bloods were shed
To keep his bed of blackness unlaid ope,
To lop that doubt, he'll fill this land with arms
And make pretense of wrong that I have done him;
When all, for mine, if I may call offense,
Must feel war's blow, who spares not innocence;
Which love to all, of which thyself art one,
Who now reproved'st me for't--

'Twixt kings and tyrans there's this difference known:
Kings seek their subjects' good, tyrants their owne.

'Twixt kings and tyrans there's this difference known:
Kings seek their subjects' good, tyrants their owne.

Hateful is the power, and pitiable is the life, of those who wish to be feared rather than loved.

Hateful is the power, and pitiable is the life, of those who wish to be feared rather than loved.

The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins

The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins

Under conditions of tyranny, it is far easier to act than to think.

Under conditions of tyranny, it is far easier to act than to think.

Tyrant, step from the throne, and give place to thy master.
[Fr., Tyran, descends du trone et fais place read more

Tyrant, step from the throne, and give place to thy master.
[Fr., Tyran, descends du trone et fais place a ton maitre.]

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom--for himself.

Every tyrant who has lived has believed in freedom--for himself.

Tyranny
Absolves all faith; and who invades our rights,
Howe'er his own commence, can never be
read more

Tyranny
Absolves all faith; and who invades our rights,
Howe'er his own commence, can never be
But an usurper.