“ I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment. ”
William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Measure for Measure |
| Topic | freedom law prison |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1603 and 1604 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23045/23045-h/23045-h.htm |
Context
“120 As surfeit is the father of much fast, So every scope by the immoderate use Turns to restraint. Our natures do pursue,
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die. I. 2. 125 Lucio. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors: and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment. What's thy offence, Claudio?
Claud. What but to speak of would offend again.
130 Lucio. What, is't murder?
303 Claud.” source
Like rats that ravin down their proper bane, A thirsty evil; and when we drink we die. I. 2. 125 Lucio. If I could speak so wisely under an arrest, I would send for certain of my creditors: and yet, to say the truth, I had as lief have the foppery of freedom as the morality of imprisonment. What's thy offence, Claudio?
Claud. What but to speak of would offend again.
130 Lucio. What, is't murder?
303 Claud.” source
Meaning and analysis
