“ Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years hath not yet div'd into the world's deceit: nor more can you distinguish of a man than of his outward show; which, God He knows, seldom or never jumpeth with the heart. ”
William Shakespeare, Richard III (1597). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Richard III |
| Topic | innocence deceit appearances |
| Date | 1597 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1591 and 1592 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1503/1503-h/1503-h.htm |
Context
“Welcome, dear cousin, my thoughts' sovereign: The weary way hath made you melancholy. PRINCE No, uncle; but our crosses on the way Have made it tedious, wearisome, and heavy: I want more uncles here to welcome me. GLOSTER Sweet prince, the untainted virtue of your years Hath not yet div'd into the world's deceit: Nor more can you distinguish of a man Than of his outward show; which, God He knows, Seldom or never jumpeth with the heart. Those uncles which you want were dangerous; Your grace attended to their sugar'd words But look'd not on the poison of their hearts: God keep you from them and from such false friends! PRINCE God keep me from false friends!”
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Meaning and analysis
