Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

Oh that I were seated as high as my ambition, I'd place my naked foot on the necks of monarchs.

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen short of her purposes.

Where there are large powers with little ambition... nature may be said to have fallen short of her purposes.

Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.

Ambition is the germ from which all growth of nobleness proceeds.

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

I see, but cannot reach, the height
That lies forever in the light.

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by read more

A noble man compares and estimates himself by an idea which is higher than himself; and a mean man, by one lower than himself. The one produces aspiration; the other ambition, which is the way in which a vulgar man aspires.

Ambition is a lust that is never quenched, but grows more inflamed and madder by enjoyment.

Ambition is a lust that is never quenched, but grows more inflamed and madder by enjoyment.

Ambition is the last refuge of failure.

Ambition is the last refuge of failure.

Oh, sons of earth! attempt ye still to rise.
By mountains pil'd on mountains to the skies?
read more

Oh, sons of earth! attempt ye still to rise.
By mountains pil'd on mountains to the skies?
Heav'n still with laughter the vain toil surveys,
And buries madmen in the heaps they raise.

But what will not ambition and revenge
Descend to? who aspires must down as low
As high read more

But what will not ambition and revenge
Descend to? who aspires must down as low
As high he soar'd, obnoxious first and last
To basest things.