I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain, Some busy and…
““I will be hang’d, if some eternal villain, Some busy and insinuating rogue, Some cogging, cozening slave, to get some office, Have not devis’d this slander; I’ll be hang’d else.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character laments that any minor wrongdoing will lead to severe punishment, reflecting fear of unjust authority.
In simple terms: Fear of harsh punishment for small offenses.
Key Takeaway
Question authority and demand fairness.
Themes
justice
authority
fear of punishment
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- courtroom trials
- political dissent
- whistleblowing
- personal risk assessment
Key Concepts
legal oppression
hyperbole
self‑preservation
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fear of punishment justified?
- How can one protect against arbitrary authority?
A Different Perspective
The language is exaggerated, possibly not literal.