A King And No King.

That prince who may do nothing but what's just,
Rules but by leave, and takes his crown on trust.

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick

Robert Herrick was a 17th-century English lyric poet and cleric. He is known for his book of poems, "Hesperides," which includes the carpe diem poem "To the Virgins, to Make Much of Time." His works are noted for their clarity, simplicity, and musical quality. Herrick was also a vicar of Dean Prior in Devon, despite being ejected during the English Civil War and later reinstated.

Robert Herrick

English

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Policy In Princes.

That princes may possess a surer seat,
'Tis fit they make no one with them too great.

Robert Herrick

Obedience.

The power of princes rests in the consent
Of only those who are obedient:
Which if away, proud sceptres then will lie
Low, and of thrones the ancient majesty.

Robert Herrick

Upon Kings.

Kings must be dauntless; subjects will contemn
Those who want hearts and wear a diadem.

Robert Herrick

Another Of The Same. (Obedience.)

No man so well a kingdom rules as he
Who hath himself obeyed the sovereignty.

Robert Herrick

Blame The Reward Of Princes.

Among disasters that dissension brings,
This not the least is, which belongs to kings:
If wars go well, each for a part lays claim;
If ill, then kings, not soldiers, bear the blame.

Robert Herrick

War.

If kings and kingdoms once distracted be,
The sword of war must try the sovereignty

Robert Herrick