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God gives not kings the stile of Gods in vaine,
For on his throne his sceptre do they sway;
read more
God gives not kings the stile of Gods in vaine,
For on his throne his sceptre do they sway;
And as their subjects ought them to obey,
So kings should feare and serve their God againe.
For monarchs seldom sigh in vain.
For monarchs seldom sigh in vain.
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.
I am monarch of all I survey,
My right there is none to dispute,
From the centre read more
I am monarch of all I survey,
My right there is none to dispute,
From the centre all round to the sea,
I am lord of the fowl and the brute.
Though good faith should be banished from the rest of the world,
it should be found in the mouths read more
Though good faith should be banished from the rest of the world,
it should be found in the mouths of kings.
[Fr., Si la bonne foi etait bannie du reste du monde, il faudrait
qu'on la trouvat dans la bouche des rois.]
Whatever I can say or do.
I'm sure not much avails;
I shall still Vicar be of read more
Whatever I can say or do.
I'm sure not much avails;
I shall still Vicar be of Bray,
Whichever side prevails.
It is something to hold the scepter with a firm hand.
[Lat., Est aliquid valida sceptra tenere manu.]
It is something to hold the scepter with a firm hand.
[Lat., Est aliquid valida sceptra tenere manu.]
Every monarch is subject to a mightier one.
[Lat., Omnes sub regno graviore regnum est.]
Every monarch is subject to a mightier one.
[Lat., Omnes sub regno graviore regnum est.]