You May Also Like / View all maxioms
O, how wretched
Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favors!
There is betwixt that smile read more
O, how wretched
Is that poor man that hangs on princes' favors!
There is betwixt that smile we would aspire to,
That sweet aspect of princes, and their ruin,
More pangs and fears than wars or women have;
And when he falls, he falls like Lucifer,
Never to hope again.
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.
Why, our battalia trebles that account:
Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength,
Which they read more
Why, our battalia trebles that account:
Besides, the king's name is a tower of strength,
Which they upon the adverse faction want.
He who knows how to dissimulate knows how to reign.
[Fr., Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare.]
He who knows how to dissimulate knows how to reign.
[Fr., Qui nescit dissimulare, nescit regnare.]
Every noble crown is, and on Earth will forever be, a crown of
thorns.
Every noble crown is, and on Earth will forever be, a crown of
thorns.
What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.
What is a king? a man condemn'd to bear
The public burthen of the nation's care.
Ah! vainest of all things
Is the gratitude of kings.
Ah! vainest of all things
Is the gratitude of kings.
St. George he was for England; St. Dennis was for France.
Sing, "Honi soit qui mal y pense."
St. George he was for England; St. Dennis was for France.
Sing, "Honi soit qui mal y pense."