Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury, You may…
“Even so; an't please your worship, Brakenbury, You may partake of any thing we say: We speak no treason, man; we say the King Is wise and virtuous, and his noble queen Well struck in years, fair, and not jealous; We say that Shore's wife hath a pretty foot, A cherry lip, a bonny eye, a passing pleasing tongue; And that the Queen's kindred are made gentlefolks.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker flatters the king and queen while subtly mocking courtly flattery and gossip about their personal lives.
In simple terms: Flattery and gossip mask political motives.
Key Takeaway
Question the motives behind praise.
Themes
courtly intrigue
flattery
political satire
Mood
wry
critical
satirical
Type
literary
political
When to use this quote
- court gatherings
- political negotiations
- private conversations
Key Concepts
Rhetoric
power dynamics
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this reveal about power and reputation?
- How does humor expose truth?
A Different Perspective
The satire may be lost on those unfamiliar with the historical context.