Lipton’s Journal/February 7, 1955/539

The reason the common people read with such delight the stories and fables of unhappy kings is that it cozens them into accepting society. “Look,” they must think, “even if you have liberty, you’re still unhappy, so I’m not so bad off.” And that is why kings in their public pronouncements—even if they had to get their head out of their mistresses’ twat long enough to get dressed—always speak solemnly of the cares of state. There’d be revolution if they ever hinted they have a good time.