Quote#Politics & Power
But grant to kings and courts their ancient play
Quote byJoel Barlow · 1754–1812
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Conspiracy of Kings (1792).
English (original)
But grant to kings and courts their ancient play, Recall their splendour and revive their sway; Can all your cant and all your cries persuade One power to join you in your wild crusade? In vain ye search to earth's remotest end; No court can aid you, and no king defend.
— Joel Barlow
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The hour is come, the world's unclosing eyes Discern with rapture where its wisdom lies; From western heav'ns th' inverted Orient springs, The morn of man, the dreadful night of kings.