“ 'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst! ”
William Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | The Two Gentlemen of Verona |
| Topic | friendship enemy |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1589 and 1593 |
| Weblink | http://shakespeare.mit.edu/two_gentlemen/full.html |
Context
“Who should be trusted, when one's own right hand Is perjured to the bosom? Proteus,
I am sorry I must never trust thee more, But count the world a stranger for thy sake. The private wound is deepest: O time most accurst, 'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst! PROTEUS My shame and guilt confounds me. Forgive me, Valentine: if hearty sorrow Be a sufficient ransom for offence, I tender 't here; I do as truly suffer As e'er I did commit. VALENTINE Then I am paid;” source
I am sorry I must never trust thee more, But count the world a stranger for thy sake. The private wound is deepest: O time most accurst, 'Mongst all foes that a friend should be the worst! PROTEUS My shame and guilt confounds me. Forgive me, Valentine: if hearty sorrow Be a sufficient ransom for offence, I tender 't here; I do as truly suffer As e'er I did commit. VALENTINE Then I am paid;” source
Meaning and analysis
