It is lawful and hath been held so through all ages for any one who have the power to call to account a tyrant or wicked king, and after due conviction to depose and put him to death.
Interpretation
The quote asserts the right to challenge and remove a tyrant or unjust ruler through accountability and justice.
John Milton's quote emphasizes the moral and lawful authority of individuals to hold tyrants accountable, suggesting that throughout history, it has been considered just to depose and execute a ruler who has been recently convicted of wrongdoing. It advocates for the idea that citizens have the power to fight against oppression and seeks to establish a form of justice by saying that a tyrant's reign can be challenged and ended if he has committed grave offenses against the people.
In practice
This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of standing up against oppression.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
That's why I want to change Mississippi. You don't run away from problems - you just face them.
There is a kind of strength that is almost frightening in Black women. It's as if a steel rod runs right through the head down to the feet.
I will not agree to go to war in the Donbass. I know there are a lot of hotheads, especially those who hold rallies and say, 'Let's go fight and win it all back!' But at what price? What is the cost? It's another story of lives and land. And I won't do it.
Wherever men and women are persecuted because of their race, religion, or political views, that place must - at that moment - become the center of the universe.
Japan is the only country in the world to have suffered the ravages of atomic bombing. That experience left an indelible mark on the hearts of our people, making them passionately determined to renounce all wars.
I refuse to allow prejudice to defeat me.
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