The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of read more

The tyranny of a prince in an oligarchy is not so dangerous to the public welfare as the apathy of a citizen in a democracy

Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.

The worst form of tyranny the world has ever known the tyranny of the weak over the strong. It is read more

The worst form of tyranny the world has ever known the tyranny of the weak over the strong. It is the only tyranny that lasts.

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.

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--

This tyrant, whole sole name blisters our tongues,
Was once thought honest; you have loved him well;
read more

This tyrant, whole sole name blisters our tongues,
Was once thought honest; you have loved him well;
He hath not touched you yet.

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

The distrust of wit is the beginning of tyranny.

I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my
perfect right.

I begin by taking. I shall find scholars later to demonstrate my
perfect right.

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

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