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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.
John Milton
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Interpretation

What this quote means

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.

Themes

TyrannyJusticeAccountabilityOppressionPower

In practice

Example use cases

This quote could be used in a speech about the importance of standing up against oppression.

More from John Milton

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.
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The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
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Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
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Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
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The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
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Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
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