They thought they could get away with every injustice & cruelty, but others around them were in revolt, covertly preparing their downfall

"How many monarchs, throughout the course of history, have been overthrown by the people, because they were not up to the task! They thought they could get away with every injustice and cruelty, but meanwhile others around them were in revolt, covertly preparing their downfall.

Everyone knows this, but how many have understood that these same rebellions and reversals of fortune also take place in their own inner life? Within themselves, human beings (the kings) will give way to laziness or debauchery and all kinds of excess. Some time later, hostile forces seize them, throw them into a dungeon and govern in their place; in other words, they become victims of illness, accidents and psychological problems, until such time as they understand they have a great deal to do to regain their place at the head of their kingdom."