But to my mind, though I am native here, And to the manner born, it is a custom, More honored in the breach than the observance.
William ShakespeareCan you nominate in order now the degrees of the lie? I will name you the degrees. The first, the Retort Courteous; the second, the Quip Modest; the third, the Reply Churlish; the fourth, the Reproof Valiant; the fifth; the Countercheck Quarrelsome; the sixth, the Lie with Circumstance; the seventh, the Lie Direct. All these you may avoid but the Lie Direct; and you may avoid that too, with an If. . . . Your If is the only peace-maker; much virtue in If.
William ShakespeareSet honour in one eye and death i' the other, And I will look on both indifferently.
William ShakespeareWhat hands are here? ha! they pluck out mine eyes! Will all great Neptuneโs ocean wash this blood clean from my hand? No; this my hand will rather the multitudinous seas incarnadine, making the green one red.โ โMy hands are of your colour; but I shame to wear a heart so white. A little water clears us of this deed: How easy it is then! Your constancy hath left you unattended.
William Shakespeare