“ Why, I must die; And if I do not by thy hand, thou art No servant of thy master's. Against self-slaughter There is a prohibition so divine That cravens my weak hand. ”
William Shakespeare, Cymbeline (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Cymbeline |
| Topic | art prohibition |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1609 and 1611 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1133/pg1133-images.html |
Context
“Fear not; 'tis empty of all things but grief; Thy master is not there, who was indeed The riches of it. Do his bidding; strike. Thou mayst be valiant in a better cause, But now thou seem'st a coward. PISANIO. Hence, vile instrument! Thou shalt not damn my hand. IMOGEN. Why, I must die; And if I do not by thy hand, thou art No servant of thy master's. Against self-slaughter There is a prohibition so divine That cravens my weak hand. Come, here's my heart- Something's afore't. Soft, soft! we'll no defence!- Obedient as the scabbard. What is here? The scriptures of the loyal Leonatus All turn'd to heresy? Away, away, Corrupters of my faith!”
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