Home » Famous Poems » Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe » Rules For Monarchs

Rules For Monarchs

Read 'Rules For Monarchs' by 'Johann Wolfgang von Goethe' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

Rules For Monarchs by Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

 IF men are never their thoughts to employ,
Take care to provide them a life full of joy;
But if to some profit and use thou wouldst bend them,
Take care to shear them, and then defend them.

 1815.*

Form: Heroic Couplet

♡Like0

Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

What do you think the poet was trying to say?
Which line had the biggest impact on you?
How does this poem relate to modern life?
What literary devices did you notice?

No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.

Get a Premium Membership

Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.

Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace