“ Be great in act, as you have been in thought; ”
William Shakespeare, King John (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | King John |
| Topic | greatness thought act |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written around 1596 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/1110/pg1110.txt |
Context
“By some damn'd hand was robbed and ta'en away. KING JOHN. That villain Hubert told me he did live.
BASTARD. So, on my soul, he did, for aught he knew.
But wherefore do you droop? Why look you sad?
Be great in act, as you have been in thought; Let not the world see fear and sad distrust Govern the motion of a kingly eye. Be stirring as the time; be fire with fire; Threaten the threat'ner, and outface the brow Of bragging horror; so shall inferior eyes,” source
BASTARD. So, on my soul, he did, for aught he knew.
But wherefore do you droop? Why look you sad?
Be great in act, as you have been in thought; Let not the world see fear and sad distrust Govern the motion of a kingly eye. Be stirring as the time; be fire with fire; Threaten the threat'ner, and outface the brow Of bragging horror; so shall inferior eyes,” source
Meaning and analysis
