I know them, yea, And what they weigh, even to the utmost…
“I know them, yea, And what they weigh, even to the utmost scruple; Scambling, out-facing, fashion-mong'ring boys, That lie, and cog, and flout, deprave, and slander, Go antickly, and show outward hideousness, And speak off half a dozen dangerous words, How they might hurt their enemies, if they durst; And this is all.”
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 lists various mischievous youths who flaunt fashion, spread slander, and wield dangerous words to harm enemies.
In simple terms: Young men act recklessly, using words and style to cause trouble.
Key Takeaway
Beware the power of reckless speech and vanity.
Themes
vanity
deception
conflict
Mood
cautionary
critical
Type
satirical
observational
When to use this quote
- schoolyard bullying
- online trolling
- political propaganda
Key Concepts
social critique
language weaponry
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you seen words cause more damage than intended?
- How can vanity be redirected positively?
A Different Perspective
Words can backfire, causing unintended harm.