Revenge

Definition and stakes

Portrait of Oscar Wilde Oscar Wilde,  The Duchess of Padua (1883)

“ Fool, what revenge is there? Death is the common heritage of all, And death comes best when it comes suddenly. [Goes up close to GUIDO.] Your father was betrayed, there is your cue; For you shall sell the seller in his turn. I will make you of his household, you shall sit At the same board with him, eat of his bread -
GUIDO. O bitter bread!
MORANZONE Thy palate is too nice, Revenge will make it sweet. Thou shalt o' nights Pledge him in wine, drink from his cup, and be His intimate, so he will fawn on thee, Love thee, and trust thee in all secret things.
”
Source: Wikisource

Portrait of Victor Hugo Victor Hugo,  Victor Hugo's Works (c. 1862)

“ That since has shaped my life,—to have revenge!
Revenge upon her wronger and his order;
Revenge in kind; to quit him,—wife for wife!
FIORDELISA.
Father, 't is not for me to question with you;
But think! revenge belongeth not to man
It is God's attribute, usurp it not!
BERTUCCIO.
Preach abstinence to him that dies of hunger,
Tell the poor wretch who perishes of thirst,
There's danger in the cup his fingers clutch;
But bid me not forswear revenge. No word!
”
Source: Wikisource

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