Money Quote by Ben Jonson
““MOS: And besides, sir, You are not like a thresher that doth stand With a huge flail, watching a heap of corn, And, hungry, dares not taste the smallest grain, But feeds on mallows, and such bitter herbs; Nor like the merchant, who hath fill'd his vaults With Romagnia, and rich Candian wines, Yet drinks the lees of Lombard's vinegar: You will not lie in straw, whilst moths and worms Feed on your sumptuous hangings and soft beds; You know the use of riches, and dare give now From that bright heap, to me, your poor observer, Or to your dwarf, or your hermaphrodite, Your eunuch, or what other household-trifle Your pleasure allows maintenance.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Alchemist, Act 2, Scene 1, 1610
The speaker criticizes a patron for hoarding wealth while neglecting the needy, using vivid agricultural and commercial metaphors to highlight hypocrisy.
In simple terms: A rich person hoards while ignoring the poor.
Key Takeaway
Share resources, avoid selfishness.
Themes
wealth
hypocrisy
generosity
social responsibility
class
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
ethical
social commentary
When to use this quote
- court patronage
- charitable giving
- social inequality
- personal ethics
- public policy
Key Concepts
economics
morality
altruism
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance personal wealth with helping others?
- What societal structures encourage hoarding?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may exaggerate, and not all wealthy individuals are neglectful.
