Benjamin Franklin Group

Question:

edwyn
edwyn

Benjamin Franklin wrote in Poor Richard’s Almanac "Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."  

I'm told this witticism (truism really) was adapted from a Shakespeare play.  Does anyone know the play and quote?

Rate question:

Posted by edwyn on Tuesday August 18, 2009 at 10:33 PM and tagged with allusion, literature, secrets, shakespeare quotes.

Answers:

  1. mwestwood
    mwestwood Teacher
    Community / Jr. College

    eNotes Editor

    This is from "Romeo and Juliet."  In Act II, the Nurse and her man, Peter, arrive at a street in Verona where Mercutio first approaches her with many puns and humorous remarks.  Then, Romeo appears, telling her of the plan for Juliet and him to be married at Friar Lawrence's church.  Romeo wishes to send Juliet the wedding plans via the Nurse, the young lovers' messenger.  As he speaks with the Nurse, she warns Romeo to be careful with Juliet before their marriage.  Romeo instructs the Nurse that his "man" will bring a rope ladder which Juliet can use to sneak out so they can be married.  Worried that Romeo's man may divulge what Romeo and Juliet are about to do, she asks,

    Is your man secret?  Did you ne'er hear say/Two may keep counsel, putting one away? (II,iv,190) 

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/romeo-and-juliet-text

    Rate answer:

    Posted by mwestwood on Wednesday August 19, 2009 at 7:12 AM