What Shakespeare play does don't kill the messenger come from?

Answer 1

Shakespeare does not use these words, but he does use this concept. Bearers of bad tidings often have to apologize for the fact, fearing that they will be irrationally blamed for the bad news they are bringing. And their fears are frequently justified.

The best example of this is in Antony and Cleopatra, Act 2 Scene V, where an unfortunate messenger is given the job of telling Cleopatra that Antony has married Octavia, Caesar's sister. This is what Cleo says to him before he has had a chance to say anything:

"I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:

Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,

Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,

I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail

Rich pearls upon thee."

This is a really good incentive to lie, but the messenger knows that he cannot lie. He must do his office. So he tells her that Antony is married and Cleo goes crazy. The poor messenger says:

"Gracious madam,

I that do bring the news made not the match."

But it doesn't help. He is chased out of the room at knifepoint.