He that would govern others, first should be The master of himself.

We owe subjection and obedience to all our kings, whether good or bad, alike, for that has respect unto their office; but as to esteem and affection, these are only due to their virtue.

Rigorous authority and justice are the kindness of kings.

To rule is not so much a question of the heavy hand as the firm seat.

The power of kings is founded on the reason and on the folly of the people, and specially on their folly.

Where princes are concerned, a man who is able to do good is as dangerous and almost as criminal as a man who intends to do evil.

If you have but a single ruler, you lie at the discretion of a master who has no reason to love you: and if you have several, you must bear at once their tyranny and their divisions.

Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.

Within the hollow crown That rounds the mortal temples of a king Keeps Death his court.

To know nor faith, nor love, nor law; to be Omnipotent but friendless is to reign.