Barbarian Quote by Robert E Howard
““When I was a fighting-man, the kettle-drums they beat; The people scattered gold-dust before my horse's feet; But now I am a great king, the people hound my track With poison in my wine-cup, and daggers at my back. —The Road of Kings””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Road of Kings, 1934
The speaker contrasts past glory with present betrayal, highlighting the fleeting nature of power and the danger of trust.
In simple terms: Power fades; betrayal follows.
Key Takeaway
Stay vigilant and humble.
Themes
power
betrayal
trust
impermanence
Mood
cautionary
reflective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- leadership
- politics
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
historical
poetic
cautionary
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you trust those close to you?
- How do you guard against betrayal?
A Different Perspective
Trust is fragile; power can corrupt.
