"I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heart. But the saying is true: 'The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.'"
— Shakespeare, William (1564-1616)
Work Title
Date
1600
Metaphor
"I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a heart. But the saying is true: 'The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.'"
Metaphor in Context
BOY
I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a
heart. But the saying is true: "The empty vessel makes
the greatest sound." Bardolph and Nim had ten times
more valour than this roaring devil i' th' old play, that
everyone may pare his nails with a wooden dagger,
and they are both hanged, and so would this be, if he
durst steal anything adventurously. I must stay with
the lackeys with the luggage of our camp. The French
might have a good prey of us, if he knew of it, for there
is none to guard it but boys.
(IV.iv.64-73)
I did never know so full a voice issue from so empty a
heart. But the saying is true: "The empty vessel makes
the greatest sound." Bardolph and Nim had ten times
more valour than this roaring devil i' th' old play, that
everyone may pare his nails with a wooden dagger,
and they are both hanged, and so would this be, if he
durst steal anything adventurously. I must stay with
the lackeys with the luggage of our camp. The French
might have a good prey of us, if he knew of it, for there
is none to guard it but boys.
(IV.iv.64-73)
Categories
Provenance
HDIS
Citation
Shakespeare, William. The Complete Works. Oxford Shakespeare. Electronic Edition for the IBM PC. Stanley Wells and Gary Taylor, Editor.
Date of Entry
08/27/2003
