Bows Quote by William Shakespeare
“What wouldst thou do, old man? Think'st thou that duty shall have dread to speak When power to flattery bows?”
About This Quote
Source Play: The Tempest, Act I, Scene 2, 1611
A man asks an elder if duty compels him to speak when power flattery.
In simple terms: He questions duty versus flattery.
Balance duty with integrity.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- leadership
- public speaking
- personal decision
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- When is flattery justified?
- How does duty shape speech?
Flattery can sometimes serve strategic purposes.