One would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him

One would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him

The phrase "One would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him" is a line from William Shakespeare's play, "The Tempest." This line is spoken by the character Gonzalo in Act 2, Scene 1. In this scene, Gonzalo is criticizing the behavior of Sebastian and Antonio, who are plotting to kill King Alonso in order to seize power.

The phrase itself is a metaphorical way of saying that someone is acting in a way that is selfish, cruel, or lacking in basic human kindness. In other words, Gonzalo is suggesting that Sebastian and Antonio are behaving in a way that is so heartless and ruthless that it is as if they were never nurtured by their mothers' milk. This line is a powerful indictment of the characters' actions and serves to highlight the depths of their treachery.

The use of the phrase "mother's milk" in this context is significant because it symbolizes the most basic form of nurturing and care that a person can receive. In Shakespeare's time, breast milk was seen as a vital source of sustenance and comfort for infants, and the idea of being deprived of this essential nourishment would have been shocking and disturbing. By invoking the image of a mother's milk, Gonzalo is emphasizing just how unnatural and inhuman Sebastian and Antonio's behavior is.

Furthermore, the phrase "One would think his mother's milk were scarce out of him" also suggests a lack of empathy and compassion on the part of Sebastian and Antonio. It implies that they are so consumed by their own ambition and greed that they have lost touch with their humanity. This line serves as a reminder of the importance of kindness, empathy, and moral integrity in the face of power and ambition.

Overall, this line from "The Tempest" is a powerful condemnation of selfishness and cruelty, and a reminder of the importance of basic human decency. It serves as a warning against the dangers of unchecked ambition and the corrupting influence of power.