1You think it a hardship that kings should be robbed of the freedom of speech which the humblest have. 1'That,' you say, 'is slavery, not sovereignty.' 1What? 1do you not find that the sovereignty is ours, and the slavery yours? 1Different is the situation of those who lie hidden in a crowd which they do not rise above, whose virtues struggle long to become visible and whose vices have darkness to cover them; 1your deeds and words are taken up by rumour, and so none should care more what reputation they have than those who, whatever reputation they deserve, are bound to have a great one. 2How many things are not permitted to you which, thanks to you, are permitted to us!
2I can walk alone in any part of the city without fear, though no companion follows me, though I have none at home, no sword at my side; 2you must live armed in your own peace. 2You cannot stray from your fortune; 2it besieges you and, wherever you go down, follows you with great pomp. 3This is the slavery of supreme greatness, that it cannot become smaller; 3but this very constraint you share with the gods. 3For heaven holds them too in bonds, and it is no more granted to them to descend than it is safe for you; 3you are fixed to your pinnacle. 4Few notice our movements; we may come forth and withdraw and change our dress without the public noticing; 4you can no more hide than the sun can.
4There is much light around you; all eyes are turned upon it. 4You think you are going out? 4You are rising. 5You cannot speak without the nations everywhere catching your voice; 5you cannot be angry without everything trembling, because you cannot strike anyone without whatever is around him being shaken. 5As thunderbolts fall with danger to few but fear to all, so the punishments of great powers terrify more widely than they harm, and not without reason; 5for in one who can do all things men think not of how much he has done, but of how much he may do. 6Add now that, whereas private men are made more open to receiving injuries by enduring those received, for kings there is surer security in gentleness, because frequent vengeance crushes the hatred of a few but provokes that of all.
7The will to rage should give out before the cause does; 7otherwise, just as trees that are cut back sprout again with very many branches, and many kinds of crops are cut down so that they may come up thicker, so royal cruelty increases the number of enemies by removing them; 7for the parents and children of those who have been killed, and their kinsmen and friends, step into the place of each one.