Oscar Wilde

The Duchess of Padua Oscar Wilde

Book Excerpt: ...ower; yet see thou show'st A smiling mask of friendship to all men, Until thou hast them safely in thy grip, Then thou canst crush them. GUIDO[aside] O wise philosopher! That for thyself dost dig so deep a grave. MORANZONE[to him] Dost thou mark his words?GUIDOOh, be thou sure I do. DUKEAnd be not over-scrupulous; clean hands With nothing in them make a sorry show. If you would have the lion's share of life You must wear the fox's skin. Oh, it will fit you; It is a coat which fitteth every man. GUIDOYour Grace, I shall remember. DUKEThat is well, boy, well. I would not have about me shallow fools, Who with mean scruples weigh the gold of life, And faltering, paltering, end by failure; failure, The only crime which I have not committed: I would have MEN about me. As for conscience, Conscience is but the name which cowardice Fleeing from battle scrawls upon its shield. You understand me, boy?GUIDOI do, your Grace, And will in all things carry out the creed Wh..