Thou wear a lion's hide! Doff it for shame, and hang a calf's skin on those recreant limbs

Thou wear a lion's hide! Doff it for shame, and hang a calf's skin on those recreant limbs

In William Shakespeare's play, "Henry VI, Part 3," the character Queen Margaret utters the line, "Thou wear a lion's hide! Doff it for shame, and hang a calf's skin on those recreant limbs." This powerful statement is a scathing insult directed at the Duke of York, who is seen as a coward and a traitor by Queen Margaret.

The imagery of wearing a lion's hide is significant in this context. Lions are often seen as symbols of strength, courage, and nobility. By accusing the Duke of York of wearing a lion's hide, Queen Margaret is essentially calling him a hypocrite. She is suggesting that he is pretending to be brave and powerful when, in reality, he is weak and cowardly.

The command to "doff it for shame" is a demand for the Duke of York to remove his false facade of strength and courage. Queen Margaret is challenging him to face the truth of his own cowardice and to stop pretending to be something he is not.

The suggestion to "hang a calf's skin on those recreant limbs" further emphasizes the idea of the Duke of York being a coward. Calves are often seen as symbols of innocence and vulnerability. By telling the Duke of York to hang a calf's skin on his limbs, Queen Margaret is mocking his lack of bravery and his unwillingness to fight for what he believes in.

Overall, this line from "Henry VI, Part 3" is a powerful and cutting insult that reveals Queen Margaret's contempt for the Duke of York. It highlights the themes of courage, honor, and deceit that run throughout the play. Shakespeare's use of vivid imagery and strong language in this line serves to deepen the conflict between the characters and to underscore the moral complexities of the story.