See here, 1. How formidable kings are, and what a terror they strike
upon those they are angry with. Their fear, with which (especially when
they are absolute and their will is a law) they keep their subjects in
awe, is as the roaring of a lion, which is very dreadful to the
creatures he preys upon, and makes them tremble so that they cannot
escape from him. Those princes that rule by wisdom and love rule like
God himself, and bear his image; but those that rule merely by terror,
and with a high hand, do but rule like a lion in the forest, with a
brutal power. Oderint, dum metuant--Let them hate, provided they fear.
2. How unwise therefore those are that quarrel with them, that are
angry at them, and so provoke them to anger. They sin against their own
lives. Much more do those do so that provoke the King of kings to
anger. Nemo me impune lacesset--No one shall provoke me with impunity.