Th' oppressive, sturdy, man-destroying villains,
Who ravag'd kingdoms, and laid empires waste,
And in a cruel wantonness read more

Th' oppressive, sturdy, man-destroying villains,
Who ravag'd kingdoms, and laid empires waste,
And in a cruel wantonness of power,
Thinn'd states of half their people, and gave up
To want the rest.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

Any excuse will serve a tyrant.

There is a secret pride in every human heart that revolts at tyranny. You may order and drive an individual, read more

There is a secret pride in every human heart that revolts at tyranny. You may order and drive an individual, but you cannot make him respect you.

Under conditions of tyranny it is far easier to act than to think.

Under conditions of tyranny it is far easier to act than to think.

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.

None but tyrants have any business to be afraid.
[Fr., Fr., Il n'appartient, qu'aux tyrans d'etre toujours en
read more

None but tyrants have any business to be afraid.
[Fr., Fr., Il n'appartient, qu'aux tyrans d'etre toujours en
crainte.]

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.

Men are still men. The despot's wickedness
Comes of ill teaching, and of power's excess,--
Comes of read more

Men are still men. The despot's wickedness
Comes of ill teaching, and of power's excess,--
Comes of the purple he from childhood wears,
Slaves would be tyrants if the chance were theirs.