i need help translating this insult by shakespeare. does anyone know what it means?
"a weasel nath not such a deal of spleen as you are tossed with"
2007-01-21 13:49:05 · 2 answers · asked by Roxy 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
A weasel is traditionally a low, nasty animal. Spleen is a hot temper, it could include a penchant for invective. Mrs Hotspur (Lady Percy) is having a jocular exchange with her husband showing that she is at least his equal. She calls him an ape in the preceding line.
2007-01-21 14:58:05 · answer #1 · answered by tentofield 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spleen is often used to indicate that someone gets angry easily. Weasels are rather vicious little varmints.
So this quote most likely means that the person is even more irritable and quick to anger than a weasel.
2007-01-21 14:52:55 · answer #2 · answered by ecolink 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋