Skip to content
1792–1822

FRAGMENT:‘ I WOULD NOT BE A KING’.

Percy Bysshe Shelley

I would not be a king — enough Of woe it is to love; The path to power is steep and rough, And tempests reign above.

I would not climb the imperial throne; ‘ Tis built on ice which fortune's sun Thaws in the height of noon. Then farewell, king, yet were I one,

Care would not come so soon. Would he and I were far away Keeping flocks on Himalay!

Cookies on Poetry Cove

We use cookies to remember your language preference and — only with your consent — to learn how Poetry Cove is used. You can change your mind any time.
FRAGMENT:‘ I WOULD NOT BE A KING’. · Percy Bysshe Shelley · Poetry Cove