Duchess of Malfi quotes

• Antonio: If't chance

  Some curs'd example poison't near the head,

  Death and disease through the whole land spread.

  (Act 1, Scene 1)
• Bosola: He and his brother are like plum-trees that grow crooked over standing-pools; they are rich, and o'erladen with fruit, but none but crows, pies and caterpillars feed on them.

  (Act 1, Scene 1)
• The Duchess: Diamonds are of most value,

  They say, that have pass'd through most jewellers' hands.

  Ferdinand: Whores, by that rule, are precious.

  (Act 1, Scene 3)
• The Duchess: The misery of us that are born great!

  We are forc'd to woo, because none dare woo us .

  (Act 1, Scene 3)
• Ferdinand: Cover her face . Mine eyes dazzle . She died young .

  (Act 4, Scene 2)
• Ferdinand: She and I were twins;

  And should I die this instant, I had liv'd

  Her time to a minute .

  (Act 4, Scene 2)
• Bosola: I'll join with thee in a most just revenge:

  The weakest arm is strong enough that strikes

  With the sword of justice .

  (Act 5, Scene 2)
• Antonio: Whether we fall by ambition, blood, or lust, like diamonds, we are cut with our own dust