SHAKSPEARE ON THE COPPERHEADS.

Previous

"What would you have, you curs,

That like nor peace nor war? The one affrights you,

The other makes you proud. He that trusts to you,

Where he should find you lions, finds you hares;

Where foxes, geese; you are no surer, no,

Than is the coal of fire upon the ice,

Or hailstone in the sun. Your virtue is,

To make him worthy whose offence subdues him,

And curse that justice did it. Who deserves greatness

Deserves your hate; and your affections are

A sick man's appetite, who desires most that

Which would increase his evil. He that depends

Upon your favors swims with fins of lead,

And hews down oaks with rushes."—Coriolanus, I. 1.


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Clyx.com


Top of Page
Top of Page