I love him for his sake; And yet I know him a notorious…
“I love him for his sake; And yet I know him a notorious liar, Think him a great way fool, solely a coward; Yet these fix'd evils sit so fit in him That they take place when virtue's steely bones Looks bleak i' th' cold wind; withal, full oft we see Cold wisdom waiting on superfluous folly.”
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 admires a man despite his deceit, noting that his flaws fit him like a suit, and that wisdom often hides behind foolishness.
In simple terms: Admiration mixed with criticism of a deceptive person.
Key Takeaway
Recognize both virtue and vice in others.
Themes
admirations
deception
virtue
wisdom
folly
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
dramatic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political intrigue
- personal relationships
- courtly settings
Key Concepts
human nature
dualism
appearance vs reality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you reconcile admiration with awareness of flaws?
- When does folly mask wisdom?
A Different Perspective
Human behavior is complex and contradictory.