“ a man can but do his best. ”
Walter Scott, Ivanhoe (1820). copy citation
| Author | Walter Scott |
|---|---|
| Source | Ivanhoe |
| Topic | responsibility effort skills |
| Date | 1820 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/82/82-h/82-h.htm |
Context
“Original «By the light of heaven!» said Prince John to Hubert, «an thou suffer that runagate knave to overcome thee, thou art worthy of the gallows!»
Hubert had but one set speech for all occasions. «An your highness were to hang me,» he said, «a man can but do his best. Nevertheless, my grandsire drew a good bow—»
«The foul fiend on thy grandsire and all his generation!» interrupted John, «shoot, knave, and shoot thy best, or it shall be the worse for thee!»” source
Hubert had but one set speech for all occasions. «An your highness were to hang me,» he said, «a man can but do his best. Nevertheless, my grandsire drew a good bow—»
«The foul fiend on thy grandsire and all his generation!» interrupted John, «shoot, knave, and shoot thy best, or it shall be the worse for thee!»” source
Meaning and analysis
