“ The purest treasure mortal times afford is spotless reputation; that away, men are but gilded loam or painted clay. ”
William Shakespeare, Richard II (1595). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Richard II |
| Topic | men purity reputation |
| Date | 1595 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1111/pg1111-images.html |
Context
“Rage must be withstood:
Give me his gage-lions make leopards tame. MOWBRAY. Yea, but not change his spots. Take but my shame,
And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. A jewel in a ten-times barr'd-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Mine honour is my life; both grow in one; Take honour from me, and my life is done: Then, dear my liege, mine honour let me try;” source
Give me his gage-lions make leopards tame. MOWBRAY. Yea, but not change his spots. Take but my shame,
And I resign my gage. My dear dear lord,
The purest treasure mortal times afford Is spotless reputation; that away, Men are but gilded loam or painted clay. A jewel in a ten-times barr'd-up chest Is a bold spirit in a loyal breast. Mine honour is my life; both grow in one; Take honour from me, and my life is done: Then, dear my liege, mine honour let me try;” source
Meaning and analysis
