“ Though music oft hath such a charm to make bad good, and good provoke to harm. ”
William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Measure for Measure |
| Topic | music |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1603 and 1604 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/23045/23045-h/23045-h.htm |
Context
“Enter Duke disguised as before.
10 I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish 352 You had not found me here so musical: Let me excuse me, and believe me so, My mirth it much displeased, but pleased my woe. DUKE. 'Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm
15 To make bad good, and good provoke to harm. I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promised here to meet.
Mari. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day.” source
10 I cry you mercy, sir; and well could wish 352 You had not found me here so musical: Let me excuse me, and believe me so, My mirth it much displeased, but pleased my woe. DUKE. 'Tis good; though music oft hath such a charm
15 To make bad good, and good provoke to harm. I pray you, tell me, hath any body inquired for me here to-day? much upon this time have I promised here to meet.
Mari. You have not been inquired after: I have sat here all day.” source
Meaning and analysis
