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--

The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins

The tyrant dies and his rule is over, the martyr dies and his rule begins

Hateful is the power, and pitiable is the life, of those who wish to be feared rather than loved.

Hateful is the power, and pitiable is the life, of those who wish to be feared rather than loved.

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

Tyranny and anarchy are never far asunder.

Tyranny and anarchy are never far asunder.

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

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.

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

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

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.

I have sworn upon the altar of God, eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man.