Pity Honour Quote by William Shakespeare
““let not thy sword skip one: Pity not honour'd age for his white beard; He is an usurer: strike me the counterfeit matron; It is her habit only that is honest, Herself's a bawd: let not the virgin's cheek Make soft thy trenchant sword; for those milk-paps, That through the window-bars bore at men's eyes, Are not within the leaf of pity writ, But set them down horrible traitors: spare not the babe, Whose dimpled smiles from fools exhaust their mercy; Think it a bastard, whom the oracle Hath doubtfully pronounced thy throat shall cut, And mince it sans remorse: swear against objects; Put armour on thine ears and on thine eyes; Whose proof, nor yells of mothers, maids, nor babes, Nor sight of priests in holy vestments bleeding, Shall pierce a jot. There's gold to pay soldiers: Make large confusion; and, thy fury spent, Confounded be thyself! Speak not, be gone.””
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry VI Part 2, 1591
The speaker urges ruthless action against perceived enemies, dismissing compassion and morality in favor of violent conquest.
In simple terms: Violence is justified over mercy when seeking power.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize justice over blind aggression.
Themes
power
violence
morality
justice
war
retribution
Mood
dark
intense
Type
dramatic
cautionary
When to use this quote
- military leadership
- political intrigue
- legal reform
- social upheaval
Key Concepts
political philosophy
ethical relativism
military strategy
Questions to Reflect On
- Is cruelty ever a necessary tool for order?
- What are the long‑term costs of abandoning empathy?
A Different Perspective
Violence often breeds further instability.
