Strength To Support Sovereignty.

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

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.

Who is the strong?    Not he who puts to test
His sinews with the strong and proves the best;
But he who dwells where weaklings congregate,
And never lets his splendid strength abate.

Who is the good?    Not he who walks each day
With moral men along the high, clean way;
But he who jostles gilded sin and shame,
Yet will not sell his honour or his name.

Who is the wise?    Not he who from the start
With Wisdom's followers has taken part;
But he who looks in Folly's tempting eyes,
And turns away, perceiving her disguise.

Who is serene?    Not he who flees his kind,
Some mountain fastness, or some cave to find;
But he who in the city's noisiest scene,
Keeps calm within - he only is serene.

'Tis never, or but seldom known,
Power and peace to keep one throne.

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

By the weak'st means things mighty are o'erthrown.
He's lord of thy life who contemns his own.