All 3 Uses of
Hercules
in
The Merchant of Venice
- If Hercules and Lichas play at dice Which is the better man, the greater throw May turn by fortune from the weaker hand: So is Alcides beaten by his page; And so may I, blind Fortune leading me, Miss that which one unworthier may attain, And die with grieving.†
Scene 2.1 *
- Go, Hercules!†
Scene 3.2
- How many cowards, whose hearts are all as false As stairs of sand, wear yet upon their chins The beards of Hercules and frowning Mars; Who, inward search'd, have livers white as milk; And these assume but valour's excrement To render them redoubted!†
Scene 3.2
Definitions:
-
(1)
(Hercules) mythological Roman hero famous for his strength and for performing 12 immense labors to gain immortality
- (2) (meaning too rare to warrant focus)