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About this quote

What does it mean?
War benefits kings but harms subjects if they were wise.
In plain terms
Kings fight wars that sensible people would avoid.
What can you take from it?
War often serves the powerful.

Where it applies

  • political debate
  • conflict
  • leadership criticism

Putting it to work

  • question war motives
  • value peace

Questions to consider

  • Why do wars start?
  • Who really wins in war?

Another view

Sometimes war is necessary for defense.

More from William Cowper

  1. Silently as a dream the fabric rose - No sound of hammer or of saw was there.

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  2. The still small voice is wanted.

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  3. With spots quadrangular of diamond form, Ensanguined hearts, clubs typical of strife, And spades, the emblems of untimely graves.

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