“ The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? ”
William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Measure for Measure |
| Topic | desire offence |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1603 and 1604 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23045/23045-h/23045-h.htm |
Context
“At any time 'fore noon. Isab. 'Save your honour!
Exeunt Isabella, Lucio, and Provost. Ang. From thee,—even from thy virtue! What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine?
The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha! 165 Not she; nor doth she tempt: but it is I That, lying by the violet in the sun, Do as the carrion does, not as the flower, 325 Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense” source
Exeunt Isabella, Lucio, and Provost. Ang. From thee,—even from thy virtue! What's this, what's this? Is this her fault or mine?
The tempter or the tempted, who sins most? Ha! 165 Not she; nor doth she tempt: but it is I That, lying by the violet in the sun, Do as the carrion does, not as the flower, 325 Corrupt with virtuous season. Can it be
That modesty may more betray our sense” source
Meaning and analysis
