which half of sovereignty's the better part?

Which half of sovereignty’s the better part?

To rule this ardor with strategic swords

Would test all testament to armour’s art

In shielding ‘gainst the rush of passion’s hordes.

But to govern with a mawkish rein,

And lend a civil heel to all dissent,

Would be to bridled governance a bane,

And render it a buck to sentiment,

Which history distorts and then forgets.

So henceforth walls of iron I erect

To keep at bay the thoughts that lust begets,

And to official purpose I direct

The capital which others put to waste

In dim devotion to affection’s haste.

Sir Martin Caterwaul III, 1848