Tyrants have always some slight shade of virtue; they support the laws before destroying them.
Sentiment: POSITIVE
A tyrant must put on the appearance of uncommon devotion to religion. Subjects are less apprehensive of illegal treatment from a ruler whom they consider god-fearing and pious. On the other hand, they do less easily move against him, believing that he has the gods on his side.
Tyrants are seldom free; the cares and the instruments of their tyranny enslave them.
A ruler makes use of the majority and neglects the minority, and so he does not devote himself to virtue but to law.
When virtue is at liberty, so to some extent is vice.
God himself has no right to be a tyrant.
Unlimited power is apt to corrupt the minds of those who posses it; and this I know, my lords: that where law ends, tyranny begins.
There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law and in the name of justice.
Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.
Rebellion to tyrants is obedience to God.
The sovereign is called a tyrant who knows no laws but his caprice.