Blame The Reward Of Princes.

In battles what disasters fall,
The king he bears the blame of all.

That prince who may do nothing but what's just,
Rules but by leave, and takes his crown on trust.

If kings and kingdoms once distracted be,
The sword of war must try the sovereignty

Kings must not use the axe for each offence:
Princes cure some faults by their patience.

Like those infernal deities which eat
The best of all the sacrificed meat;
And leave their servants but the smoke and sweat:
So many kings, and primates too there are,
Who claim the fat and fleshy for their share
And leave their subjects but the starved ware.

He who commends the vanquished, speaks the power
And glorifies the worthy conqueror.