A King And No King.

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

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.

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

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

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.

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