Calumny Quote by William Shakespeare
“No might nor greatness in mortality Can censure 'scape; back- wounding calumny The whitest virtue strikes. What king so strong Can tie the gall up in the slanderous tongue?”
About This Quote
Source Play: Henry V, Act 2, Scene 2, 1599
Even the noble can be harmed by slander; reputation is fragile despite virtue.
In simple terms: Reputation can be damaged by gossip.
Key Takeaway
Guard your name, speak wisely.
Themes
reputation
honor
speech
Mood
cautious
serious
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- court intrigue
- personal branding
- media scrutiny
Key Concepts
slander
virtue
public perception
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you protect your reputation?
- Can virtue survive false accusations?
A Different Perspective
Even virtuous people cannot control others' accusations.
![“Pitiful and pitied by no one, why have I come to the ignominy of this detestable old age, who was ruler of two kingdoms, mother of two kings? My guts are torn from me, my family is carried off and removed from me. The young king [crown prince Henry, †1183] and the count of Britanny [prince…” quote by Eleanor of Aquitaine](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/015/eleanor-of-aquitaine-52379_death-wish_pitiful-and-pitied-by-no-one-why-have-i_796292.jpg)
