Meaning: The quote "Among those who share a throne there can be no loyalty; Dominion's ever impatient consort" is a thought-provoking statement by the Roman poet Marcus Annaeus Lucanus, commonly known as Lucan. This quote encapsulates the complex dynamics of power, loyalty, and ambition within the context of shared leadership or dominion.

At its core, the quote suggests that when power is shared, true loyalty becomes elusive. The idea of sharing a throne implies a joint rule or dominion, where two or more individuals hold authority or sovereignty. In such a scenario, the inherent nature of power dynamics often leads to a lack of genuine loyalty among those who share the throne. Each individual's ambition and desire for dominion, or control, can create a sense of impatience and discord, ultimately undermining the foundation of loyalty.

Lucan's choice of the word "consort" in this quote is particularly significant. A consort typically refers to a spouse or partner, especially of a reigning monarch. In this context, the term "Dominion's ever impatient consort" can be interpreted as a metaphor for the inherent tension and competition that arises when multiple individuals attempt to co-rule or share dominion. The word "impatient" further emphasizes the restless and eager nature of those vying for power, highlighting the inherent instability and lack of steadfastness within such arrangements.

The quote can also be understood in a broader societal and political context. It speaks to the challenges and complexities of power-sharing arrangements, whether in historical monarchies, modern democracies, or various forms of governance. In these settings, the struggle for dominance and the preservation of individual interests often overshadow the principles of loyalty and unity, leading to internal conflicts and power struggles.

Furthermore, the quote alludes to the inherent fragility of shared authority. When individuals are compelled to share a throne, their allegiance to one another may be compromised by their individual aspirations for dominance. This theme of disloyalty and the fragility of power structures has been a recurring motif in literature, philosophy, and political discourse throughout history.

In conclusion, Marcus Lucan's quote "Among those who share a throne there can be no loyalty; Dominion's ever impatient consort" offers profound insights into the complexities of power dynamics, ambition, and loyalty within shared leadership or dominion. It serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges and inherent tensions that arise when multiple individuals co-rule, and it prompts reflection on the nature of loyalty and the pursuit of dominion in various spheres of human interaction and governance.