Page 47

William Shakespeare. (1564–1616) (continued)

448

He was ever precise in promise-keeping.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 2.

449

Who may, in the ambush of my name, strike home.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 3. 1

450

I hold you as a thing ensky’d and sainted.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 4. 2

451

A man whose blood
Is very snow-broth; one who never feels
The wanton stings and motions of the sense.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 4. 3

452

He arrests him on it;
And follows close the rigour of the statute,
To make him an example.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 4. 4

453

Our doubts are traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
By fearing to attempt.

Measure for Measure. Act i. Sc. 4. 5

454

The jury, passing on the prisoner’s life,
May in the sworn twelve have a thief or two
Guiltier than him they try.

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 1.

455

Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 1.

456

This will last out a night in Russia,
When nights are longest there.

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 1.

457

Condemn the fault, and not the actor of it?

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 2.

458

No ceremony that to great ones ’longs,
Not the king’s crown, nor the deputed sword,
The marshal’s truncheon, nor the judge’s robe,
Become them with one half so good a grace
As mercy does. 6

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 2.

459

Why, all the souls that were, were forfeit once;
And He that might the vantage best have took
Found out the remedy. How would you be,
If He, which is the top of judgment, should
But judge you as you are?

Measure for Measure. Act ii. Sc. 2.

Note 1.
Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]

Note 2.
Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]

Note 3.
Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]

Note 4.
Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]

Note 5.
Act i. Sc. 5, in White, Singer, and Knight. [back]

Note 6.
Compare Portia’s words in Merchant of Venice, act iv. sc. 1. [back]

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