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Quotation from Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare

“Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, ’twere all alike As if we had them not”

William Shakespeare (spoken by Duke)

Measure for Measure, Act 1, Scene 1 (Project Gutenberg #1530)

The Duke commissions Angelo, arguing that virtue exists to be exercised in public service; the echo of Matthew 5:15-16 hangs over the deputy's test.

Citation: "Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves; for if our virtues Did not go forth of us, ’twere all alike As if we had them not" — William Shakespeare, Measure for Measure, Act 1, Scene 1 (Project Gutenberg #1530). (id measure-for-measure-q1)

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Quote card: Heaven doth with us as we with torches do, Not light them for themselves; for if