William Shakespeare on Monarchy
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“We are enforc'd to farm our royal realm; The revenue whereof shall furnish us For our affairs in hand.”
“The gates of monarchs Are arch'd so high that giants may jet through And keep their impious turbans on.”
“She had all the royal makings of a queen; As holy oil, Edward Confessor's crown, The rod, and bird of peace, and all such emblems Laid nobly on her.”
“I give this heavy weight from off my head, And this unwieldy sceptre from my hand, The pride of kingly sway from out my heart; With mine own tears I wash away my value, With mine own hands I give away my crown, With mine own tongue deny my sacred state, With mine own breath release all duteous oaths.”