---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: And if King Edward be as true and just As…"
description: "\"“And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false, and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be mewed up...”\" — Shakespeare Richard..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/42c/shakespeare-richard-iii-277288_king-edward_and-if-king-edward-be-as-true-and-just-a_2794662.jpg"
---

#  And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle…

![“And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false, and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be mewed up...” quote by Shakespeare Richard III](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/42c/shakespeare-richard-iii-277288_king-edward_and-if-king-edward-be-as-true-and-just-a_2794662.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/42c/shakespeare-richard-iii-277288_king-edward_and-if-king-edward-be-as-true-and-just-a_2794662.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/42c/shakespeare-richard-iii-277288_king-edward_and-if-king-edward-be-as-true-and-just-a_2794662.jpg)

> ““And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false, and treacherous, This day should Clarence closely be mewed up...””

Shakespeare Richard III

## 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 compares his own deceitful nature to King Edward's honesty, suggesting they are opposites and predicting conflict on the day of a planned meeting.

**In simple terms:** Contrast of honesty and deceit; predicts conflict.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and avoid deceitful alliances.

Themes

honesty deceit conflict political intrigue character contrast

Mood

cautious reflective tense

Type

King Edward:1 Clarence Closely:0 Day Clarence:0 Edward True:0 False Treacherous:1

When to use this quote

- court politics
- personal rivalries
- strategic meetings

Key Concepts

moral duality political strategy trust betrayal character dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- How do you assess trustworthiness in others?
- What signs reveal hidden deceit?

A Different Perspective

Deception may be concealed, making true motives hard to discern.

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Browse all 8 King Edward quotes

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