quote · Legacy record
How much do they mistake, how little know Of kings, and kingdoms, and the pains which flow From royalty, who fancy that a crown, Because it glistens, must be lin’d with down. With outside show, and vain appearance caught, They look no further, and by folly taught, Prize high the toys of thrones, but never find One of the many cares which lurk behind. The gem they worship, which a crown adorns, Nor once suspects that crown is lin’d with thorns. O might reflection folly’s place supply, Would we one moment use her piercing eye, Then should we know what woe from grandeur springs, And learn to pity, not to envy kings.
How much do they mistake, how little know Of kings, and kingdoms, and the pains which flow From royalty, who fancy that a crown, Because it glistens, must be lin’d with down. With outside show, and vain appearance caught, They look no further, and by folly taught, Prize high the toys of thrones, but never find One of the many cares which lurk behind. The gem they worship, which a crown adorns, Nor once suspects that crown is lin’d with thorns. O might reflection folly’s place supply, Would we one moment use her piercing eye, Then should we know what woe from grandeur springs, And learn to pity, not to envy kings.
In print by 1888 AD · industrial
Recorded in a printed collection by this date; the original date of these words is still unknown.
Meaning not yet available
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Begin with source-checked readings and explanations ↗Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Churchill (identity unresolved)
Attribution: unknown - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- In print by 1888 AD · industrial
In print by 1888: recorded in A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888). Collection publication is an upper bound for this wording, not its earliest origin, composition date or the author's lifetime.
An author lifetime, approximate period or collection date is not necessarily the date when these words were first written or spoken. - Recorded source
- A Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations (catalogued1888) (1888 AD)
Page 156 · printed citation: Churchill · subject: CROWN
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.