Painterly closed leather wallet secured by a metal chain and padlock

Original artwork, not a still

I'd be a Butterfly

Thomas Haynes Bayly

Those that have wealth must be watchful and wary, Power, alas! naught but misery brings!

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

Possession brings vigilance, and power is described as bringing misery rather than ease. The lines question the freedom usually associated with having more. What appears to offer security may instead demand constant attention, making wealth something to guard and status something that weighs on its holder.

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