Act I, Scene 121

---

• Shakespeare. 'Tis better to be vile than vile esteem'd,
  When not to be receives reproach of being,
  And the just pleasure lost which is so deem'd
  Not by our feeling but by others' seeing: 1685
  For why should others false adulterate eyes
  Give salutation to my sportive blood?
  Or on my frailties why are frailer spies,
  Which in their wills count bad what I think good?
  No, I am that I am, and they that level 1690
  At my abuses reckon up their own:
  I may be straight, though they themselves be bevel;
  By their rank thoughts my deeds must not be shown;
  Unless this general evil they maintain,
  All men are bad, and in their badness reign. 1695