Henry Quote by William Shakespeare
““PRINCE HENRY I know you all, and will awhile uphold The unyoked humour of your idleness. Yet herein will I imitate the sun, Who doth permit the base contagious clouds To smother up his beauty from the world, That when he please again to be himself, Being wanted, he may be more wondered at, By breaking through the foul and ugly mists Of vapours that did seem to strangle him. If all the year were playing holidays, To sport would be as tedious as to work; But when they seldom come, they wished-for come, And nothing pleaseth but rare accidents. So, when this loose behaviour I throw off And pay the debt I never promisèd, By how much better than my word I am, By so much shall I falsify men’s hopes, And like bright metal on a sullen ground, My reformation, glittering o’er my fault, Shall show more goodly and attract more eyes Than that which hath no foil to set it off. I’ll so offend to make offence a skill, Redeeming time when men think least I will. [Exit]””
About This Quote
The speaker claims to expose folly and elevate his reputation by embracing controversy, likening his actions to the sun dispelling clouds that hide beauty.
In simple terms: Embrace controversy to reveal hidden merit.
Key Takeaway
Strategic provocation can enhance visibility.
Themes
self‑presentation
irony
social critique
imagecraft
transformation
risk
Mood
defiant
reflective
cunning
Type
aphoristic
dramatic
didactic
When to use this quote
- political speech
- brand revamp
- personal rebranding
- artistic performance
- media scandal
Key Concepts
reputation management
public perception
authenticity
contrast
Practical Applications
- public relations
- leadership communication
Questions to Reflect On
- How can calculated offense reshape audience perception?
- When does provocation become self‑defeating?
