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

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Author William Shakespeare
Source Richard II
Topic men purity reputation
Date 1595
Language English
Reference
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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

Meaning and analysis

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