“ How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds make deeds ill done! ”
William Shakespeare, King John (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | King John |
| Topic | evil opportunity |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written around 1596 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1110/pg1110.txt |
Context
“More upon humour than advis'd respect. Hubert. Here is your hand and seal for what I did.
KING JOHN. O, when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth
Is to be made, then shall this hand and seal Witness against us to damnation! How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds Make deeds ill done! Hadst not thou been by,
A fellow by the hand of nature mark'd, Quoted and sign'd to do a deed of shame, This murder had not come into my mind; But, taking note of thy abhorr'd aspect, Finding thee fit for bloody villainy,” source
KING JOHN. O, when the last account 'twixt heaven and earth
Is to be made, then shall this hand and seal Witness against us to damnation! How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds Make deeds ill done! Hadst not thou been by,
A fellow by the hand of nature mark'd, Quoted and sign'd to do a deed of shame, This murder had not come into my mind; But, taking note of thy abhorr'd aspect, Finding thee fit for bloody villainy,” source
Meaning and analysis
