Kingdoms are but cares,
State is devoid of stay;
Riches are ready snares,
And hasten to decay.


From Sir John Harington, Nugae Antiquae (1769)


Kingdoms are but cares, State is devoid of stay; Riches are ready snares, And hasten to decay.

Kingdoms are but cares, State is devoid of stay; Riches are ready snares, And hasten to decay.

Kingdoms are but cares, State is devoid of stay; Riches are ready snares, And hasten to decay.

Kingdoms are but cares, State is devoid of stay; Riches are ready snares, And hasten to decay.