“ I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins, and worse remains behind. ”
William Shakespeare, Hamlet (1623). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Hamlet |
| Topic | bad kindness cruelty |
| Date | 1623 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1599 and 1602 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1524/1524-h/1524-h.htm |
Context
“I do repent; but heaven hath pleas'd it so, To punish me with this, and this with me, That I must be their scourge and minister. I will bestow him, and will answer well The death I gave him. So again, good night.
I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins, and worse remains behind. One word more, good lady. QUEEN. What shall I do? HAMLET. Not this, by no means, that I bid you do: Let the bloat King tempt you again to bed, Pinch wanton on your cheek, call you his mouse, And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses,” source
I must be cruel, only to be kind: Thus bad begins, and worse remains behind. One word more, good lady. QUEEN. What shall I do? HAMLET. Not this, by no means, that I bid you do: Let the bloat King tempt you again to bed, Pinch wanton on your cheek, call you his mouse, And let him, for a pair of reechy kisses,” source
Meaning and analysis
