John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.
1372 William Shakespeare 1564-1616 John Bartlett
| NUMBER: | 1372 |
| AUTHOR: | William Shakespeare (1564–1616) |
| QUOTATION: | Besides, this Duncan Hath borne his faculties so meek, hath been So clear in his great office, that his virtues Will plead like angels, trumpet-tongued, against The deep damnation of his taking-off; And pity, like a naked new-born babe, Striding the blast, or heaven’s cherubim, horsed Upon the sightless couriers of the air, Shall blow the horrid deed in every eye, That tears shall drown the wind. I have no spur To prick the sides of my intent, but only Vaulting ambition, which o’erleaps itself, And falls on the other. |
| ATTRIBUTION: | Macbeth. Act i. Sc. 7. [text] |
| WORKS: | William Shakespeare Collection. |