Plain and not honest is too harsh a style.
 William Shakespeare, Richard III (1597). copy citation

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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

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