It seemed to him that the old tyrant was losing his power.

Channel-surfing gave millions a taste of power over an old tyrant.

Not only that, but he had told him to name his own first lieutenant, something the old tyrant rarely did.

But the old tyrant was made of sterner stuff.

Statues of the old tyrants had been pulled down; the streets were filled with rejoicing.

Long ago, he said, there lived a wise old tyrant.

It suggests any old tyrant is preferable to a monarch.

Yes, that old tyrant who asked teachers to work according to their contracts and do 20 hours' more contact time a week instead of 18!

He'd stood this angry old tyrant long enough and there was no promotion in the navy that would make him take any more.

The old tyrant would get a surprise when he looked up.