As flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods,
They kill us for their sport.
 William Shakespeare, King Lear (1623). copy citation

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Author William Shakespeare
Source King Lear
Topic death fate gods
Date 1623
Language English
Reference
Note Written between 1603 and 1606 Gloucester line
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1128/pg1128-images.html

Context

“He has some reason, else he could not beg.
I' th' last night's storm I such a fellow saw, Which made me think a man a worm. My son
Came then into my mind, and yet my mind Was then scarce friends with him. I have heard more since.
As flies to wanton boys are we to th' gods. They kill us for their sport. Edg. [aside] How should this be?
Bad is the trade that must play fool to sorrow, Ang'ring itself and others.- Bless thee, master!
Glou. Is that the naked fellow?
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Meaning and analysis

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