True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings; Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.
 William Shakespeare, Richard III (1597). copy citation

edit
Author William Shakespeare
Source Richard III
Topic hope improvement
Date 1597
Language English
Reference
Note Written between 1591 and 1592
Weblink http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1503/1503-h/1503-h.htm

Context

“I doubt not but his friends will turn to us. BLUNT He hath no friends but what are friends for fear, Which in his dearest need will fly from him. RICHMOND All for our vantage. Then in God's name, march:
True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings; Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings. [Exeunt.]
SCENE III. Bosworth Field
[Enter KING RICHARD and Forces; the DUKE OF NORFOLK, the EARL of SURREY, and others.] KING RICHARD
Here pitch our tents, even here in Bosworth field.— My Lord of Surrey, why look you so sad?” source

Meaning and analysis

write a note
report