“ It is the purpose that makes strong the vow; but vows to every purpose must not hold. ”
William Shakespeare, Troilus and Cressida (1609). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Troilus and Cressida |
| Topic | strength vow |
| Date | 1609 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1600 and 1602 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1790/pg1790-images.html |
Context
“ANDROMACHE. O, be persuaded! Do not count it holy
To hurt by being just. It is as lawful,
For we would give much, to use violent thefts And rob in the behalf of charity. CASSANDRA. It is the purpose that makes strong the vow;
But vows to every purpose must not hold. Unarm, sweet Hector. Hector. Hold you still, I say.
Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate. Life every man holds dear; but the dear man Holds honour far more precious dear than life.” source
To hurt by being just. It is as lawful,
For we would give much, to use violent thefts And rob in the behalf of charity. CASSANDRA. It is the purpose that makes strong the vow;
But vows to every purpose must not hold. Unarm, sweet Hector. Hector. Hold you still, I say.
Mine honour keeps the weather of my fate. Life every man holds dear; but the dear man Holds honour far more precious dear than life.” source
Meaning and analysis
