“ Conscience is but a word that cowards use, Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe ”
William Shakespeare, Richard III (1597). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Richard III |
| Topic | conscience cowardice |
| Date | 1597 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1591 and 1592 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1503/1503-h/1503-h.htm |
Context
“"Jockey of Norfolk, be not too bold,
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold."
A thing devisèd by the enemy.— Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge: Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls; Conscience is but a word that cowards use, Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe: Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law. March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell; If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.— What shall I say more than I have inferr'd? Remember whom you are to cope withal;—” source
For Dickon thy master is bought and sold."
A thing devisèd by the enemy.— Go, gentlemen, every man unto his charge: Let not our babbling dreams affright our souls; Conscience is but a word that cowards use, Devis'd at first to keep the strong in awe: Our strong arms be our conscience, swords our law. March on, join bravely, let us to't pell-mell; If not to heaven, then hand in hand to hell.— What shall I say more than I have inferr'd? Remember whom you are to cope withal;—” source
Meaning and analysis
