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

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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

Meaning and analysis

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