This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector.

This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears he is a protector.

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.

But thou know'st this,
'Tis time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss.

But thou know'st this,
'Tis time to fear when tyrants seem to kiss.

Tyrants are seldom free; the cares and the instruments of their tyranny enslave them.

Tyrants are seldom free; the cares and the instruments of their tyranny enslave them.

Think'st thou there is no tyranny but that
Of blood and chains? The despotism of vice--
The read more

Think'st thou there is no tyranny but that
Of blood and chains? The despotism of vice--
The weakness and the wickedness of luxury--
The negligence--the apathy--the evils
Of sensual sloth--produces ten thousand tyrants,
Whose delegated cruelty surpasses
The worst acts of one energetic master,
However harsh and hard in his own bearing.

The tyrant now
Trusts not to men: nightly within his chamber
The watch-dog guards his couch, the read more

The tyrant now
Trusts not to men: nightly within his chamber
The watch-dog guards his couch, the only friend
He now dare trust.

Tyranny and anarchy are never far asunder.

Tyranny and anarchy are never far asunder.

The only tyrant I accept in this world is the 'still small voice' within

The only tyrant I accept in this world is the 'still small voice' within

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--