Kings And Tyrants.

'Twixt kings and subjects there's this mighty odds:
Subjects are taught by men; kings by the gods.

Good princes must be pray'd for; for the bad
They must be borne with, and in rev'rence had.
Do they first pill thee, next pluck off thy skin?
Good children kiss the rods that punish sin.
Touch not the tyrant; let the gods alone
To strike him dead that but usurps a throne.

Let kings command and do the best they may,
The saucy subjects still will bear the sway.

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

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

Kings must not only cherish up the good,
But must be niggards of the meanest blood.