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Blood Quote by Walter Scott

“Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain! Vain as the leaf upon the stream, And fickle as a changeful dream; Fantastic as a woman's mood, And fierce as Frenzy's fever'd blood. Thou many-headed monster thing, Oh who would wish to be thy king!” quote by Walter Scott
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“Who o'er the herd would wish to reign, Fantastic, fickle, fierce, and vain! Vain as the leaf upon the stream, And fickle as a changeful dream; Fantastic as a woman's mood, And fierce as Frenzy's fever'd blood. Thou many-headed monster thing, Oh who would wish to be thy king!”

Walter Scott

About This Quote

Source Poem: The Lady of the Lake, 1810

The quote portrays power as a chaotic, ever‑changing force that is difficult to control or desire.

In simple terms: Power is unstable and fickle.

Key Takeaway

Beware seeking control over volatile forces.

Themes

power instability leadership human nature

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

  • political ambition
  • corporate leadership
  • personal relationships
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

chaos authority ego

Questions to Reflect On

  • What drives the desire for power?
  • How can one manage volatile authority?
A Different Perspective

Power may be alluring but often leads to ruin.

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