An old, mad, blind, despised, and dying king, - Princes, the dregs of their dull race, who flow Through public scorn, - mud from a muddy spring, - Rulers who neither see, nor feel, nor know, But leech-like to their fainting country cling, Till they drop, blind in blood, without a blow.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Tyrants ignore their people and weaken the nation until they fall.
- In plain terms
- Bad leaders hurt their country until they fail.
- What can you take from it?
- Leaders must serve people, not themselves.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who holds power in your society?
Another view
Change can be difficult without leadership.
More from Percy Bysshe Shelley
The breath Of accusation kills an innocent name, And leaves for lame acquittal the poor life, Which is a mask without it.
Permalink to quote #34 A lovely lady, garmented in light From her own beauty.
Permalink to quote #36 I have drunken deep of joy, And I will taste no other wine tonight.
Permalink to quote #33
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