Ivan the Terrible:

I have sinned greatly, but God will forgive me.

— Ivan the Terrible Early Modern

First Tsar of Russia

Reported during his later years, expressing both remorse and self-justification.

c. 1580s

Verification

Unverifiable

Found in 1 providers: grok

Cross Reference

1 source

"God has given me power, and I will use it to crush my enemies."

"I am not a tyrant, but a teacher and corrector."

"I have no need of counselors, only servants."

"My kingdom is not of this world, but I rule this world."

"Better to be feared by dogs than eaten by them."