Today’s Totally Random Lines

Ay, sir; where lies that? If ‘twere a kibe

‘Twould put me to my slipper: but I feel not

This deity in my bosom.

 

Antonio

The Tempest   Act II, Scene i, Line 273

Antonio is trying to convince Sebastian to murder his own brother so that Sebastian can become king of Naples. Antonio explains that it worked out fine for him when he had his own brother exiled so that he could take over the dukedom of Milan. Sebastian asks Antonio if it didn’t bother his conscience, and that’s what Antonio is replying to above. 

Here’s Pete’s version of Antonio’s reply: Where lies my conscience? If it were a blister on my foot I would wear slippers, but I feel no conscience. Well, that’s a pretty loose paraphrasing, but hopefully you get the picture.

I really like the way Antonio refers to his conscience as a deity in my bosom. That is clearly a line that you could use if someone ever asked you if something bothers your conscience. 

Pete, doesn't it bother your conscience just a little that you hung up on that guy?

I feel not this deity in my bosom. 

Oh, it's a fabulous line; just another little bit of Will’s magic dust. 

 

Will's magic dust? Eyes, I'm rolling my eyes.

 

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

Let’s go to the Capitol.-  Would half my wealth

Would buy this for a lie!

 

Junius Brutus

Coriolanus              Act IV, Scene vi, Line 160

 

I believe the Pete’s version would be I’d pay half of my wealth for this to be a lie. For what to be a lie, you ask. Well, the Romans have just found out that Coriolanus has joined with the enemies of Rome and is now on his way to sack and burn Rome. Remember Coriolanus? He's the guy that Junius and his other politician buddy were instrumental in getting banished from Rome because it served their interests. So now Shakespeare’s crooked politician is wishing he could pay for this to be not true. 

Look how far we've come! Nowadays when a politician wants something to be not true, he just calls it fake news, and pretends that it’s not true. No need to pay anything. Now that's progress!

By the way, have I mentioned before how much I like this play and how appropriate it would be to teach it in today's classroom? Yes, I think I have.

 

 

 

You're right Mojo, my comment in today's post was a sarcastic, thinly veiled jab at the Orange Guy. You are a perceptive little man.

Hey wait a minute, where'd you get that orange?

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

Since when I have been debtor to you for courtesies, which I will be ever to pay, and yet still pay.  

 

Posthumus Leonatus

Cymbeline              Act I, Scene iv, Line 35

 

I’m not sure at all what to say about Today’s Line. Posthumus is merely acknowledging some kindness that the Frenchman showed him when the former was in France.

Perhaps we could look at the name Posthumus Leonatus. Either one of those two names alone is a bit of a mouthful. The two together are two mouthfuls. That’s a lot. I can’t imagine having a mouthful of something and then having to stuff in just as much before swallowing what I already have. That’s just too much. 

Oooh, mind boggling. 

 

 

Yah, yah, mind boggling: whatever you say... ooohh, that's the spot, don't stop, don't stop.