What does the phrase “Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown” mean?
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Sahamina
This line is taken from Shakespeare’s play ‘King Henry IV’ and is spoken by the king. It suggests that the king’s head is so full of worries that he cannot get even a wink of sleep. They live in constant fear of external and internal enemies. Whenever they have to go anywhere, they are heavily guarded. In fact, this is the fate of everyone who wears the crown. Though there are no more kings today, yet the proverb continues to hold good. Now the king stands for a person with power and authority and the crown stands for responsibility. The modern Prime Ministers, or Presidents or the Dictators of different countries of the world are also like the kings of the past. Their minds too are burdened with worries. They are always confronted with difficulties and problems. They move from place to place and country to country to solve baffling political and economic problems. Hence, a person who carries some responsibilities is bound to bear some worries. Otherwise, their fate is the inglorious death of a tyrant dictator!