William Hazlitt, 1778-1830
was an English essayist
A King (as such) is not a great man. He has great power, but it is not his own.
( “On The Pleasure Of Hating”, ca 1826 )
William Shakespeare, 1564-1616
was an English poet and playwright
The play's the thingWherein I'll catch the conscience of the king.
( “Hamlet”, Act 2 scene 2, 1601 )
John Milton, 1608-1674
was an English poet
He who reigns within himself and rules his passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.