He who the sword of heaven will bear should be as holy as severe

He who the sword of heaven will bear should be as holy as severe

The quote “He who the sword of heaven will bear should be as holy as severe” is a powerful and thought-provoking line from William Shakespeare’s play, Measure for Measure. In this play, the character Angelo speaks these words as he reflects on the responsibility that comes with wielding power and authority.

Angelo is a strict and uncompromising character who is put in charge of enforcing the laws of Vienna in the absence of the Duke. He believes in upholding the law at all costs, even if it means being harsh and unforgiving. The quote suggests that those who are entrusted with power should not only be just and severe in their actions, but also holy and righteous in their intentions.