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Need help -- tangled web??

Posted by Barney on April 25, 2001

In Reply to: Need help -- tangled web?? posted by ESC on April 25, 2001

: : : I am away from my library and I'm nothing without my reference books. Is the following correct? Not Shakespeare?

: : : "Oh, what a tangled web we weave,
: : : When first we practice to deceive!"
: : : -Sir Walter Scott, Marmion 1808.

: : William Shakespeare got there first I'm afraid.

: I can't find it in Shakespeare. Bartlett's says Scott.

I'm afraid I misinformed you. My 'of the cuff' recollection was wrong: it's not Shakespeare but Scott. While I researched I trawled with Google and it's surprising how many websites out there also believe it's Shakespeare - variously Hamlet or Macbeth.

My apologies - why do I still have a nagging doubt?

  • Cat emma wilson 05/25/01

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