And he wore a kingly crown; And in his grasp a sceptre shone; On his brow this mark I saw - 'I AM GOD, AND KING, AND LAW!'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A ruler claims absolute authority, identifying himself as the ultimate power and law.
- In plain terms
- The king says he is God and makes all the rules.
- What can you take from it?
- Absolute rulers often claim divine right to rule.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who holds the law?
- Is power absolute?
Another view
Not all leaders claim to be gods.
More from Percy Bysshe Shelley
Last came Anarchy: he rode On a white horse, splashed with blood; He was pale even to the lips, Like Death in the Apocalypse.
Permalink to quote #100 And with glorious triumph, they Rode through England proud and gay, Drunk as with intoxication Of the wine of desolation.
Permalink to quote #102 And many more Destructions played In this ghastly masquerade, All disguised, even to the eyes, Like Bishops, lawyers, peers, or spies.
Permalink to quote #99
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