“ Plain and not honest is too harsh a style. ”
William Shakespeare, Richard III (1597). copy citation
| Author | William Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Source | Richard III |
| Topic | honesty style |
| Date | 1597 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | Written between 1591 and 1592 |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1503/1503-h/1503-h.htm |
Context
“But she, your subject, loathes such sovereignty. KING RICHARD Be eloquent in my behalf to her. QUEEN ELIZABETH An honest tale speeds best being plainly told. KING RICHARD Then plainly to her tell my loving tale. QUEEN ELIZABETH Plain and not honest is too harsh a style. KING RICHARD Your reasons are too shallow and too quick. QUEEN ELIZABETH O, no, my reasons are too deep and dead;— Too deep and dead, poor infants, in their graves. KING RICHARD Harp not on that string, madam; that is past.”
source
Meaning and analysis
