Power

O what is it proud slime will not believe
Of his own worth, to hear it equal praised
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O what is it proud slime will not believe
Of his own worth, to hear it equal praised
Thus with the gods?

There is nothing which power cannot believe of itself, when it is
praised as equal to the gods.
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There is nothing which power cannot believe of itself, when it is
praised as equal to the gods.
[Lat., Nihil est quod credere de se
Non possit, quum laudatur dis aequa potestas.]

To know the pains of power, we must go to those who have it; to
know its pleasures, we read more

To know the pains of power, we must go to those who have it; to
know its pleasures, we must go to those who are seeking it: the
pains of power are real, its pleasure imaginary.

Whoever can do as he pleases, commands when he entreats.
[Fr., Qui peut ce qui lui plait, commande alors read more

Whoever can do as he pleases, commands when he entreats.
[Fr., Qui peut ce qui lui plait, commande alors qu'il prie.]

So mightiest powers buy deepest calms are fed,
And sleep, how oft, in things that gentlest be!
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So mightiest powers buy deepest calms are fed,
And sleep, how oft, in things that gentlest be!
- Barry Cornwall (pseudonym of Bryan Waller Procter),

Every dictator uses religion as a prop to keep himself in power.

Every dictator uses religion as a prop to keep himself in power.

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers read more

Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is
no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.

The balance of power.

The balance of power.

Dim with the mist of years, gray flits the shade of power.

Dim with the mist of years, gray flits the shade of power.

Men are never very wise and select in the exercise of a new
power.

Men are never very wise and select in the exercise of a new
power.