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

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

Upon Julia's Riband.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Affliction.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Satan.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

Upon One Who Said She Was Always Young.

Robert Herrick, Simple Poetry

English

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Obedience In Subjects.

The gods to kings the judgment give to sway:
The subjects only glory to obey.

Robert Herrick

Another Of The Same. (Obedience.)

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

Robert Herrick

The Power In The People.

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

Robert Herrick

Duty To Tyrants.

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.

Robert Herrick

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

Upon Kings.

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

Robert Herrick