Did Robert Burns write O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive?

Answer 1

Sir Walter Scott records these lines, in Canto VI, Stanza 17 of "Marmion" (1808), an epic poem about the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

The meaning is, basically, that lies beget more lies, and that masking lies with more lies creates an ever-more-complex arrangement of falsehoods.

(see related question)

Answer 2

"Marmion", published in 1808 by Sir Walter Scott, produced lines that have become proverbial. Canto VI. Stanza 17 of the poem reads:

Yet Clare's sharp questions must I shun

Must separate Constance from the nun

Oh! what a tangled web we weave

When first we practice to deceive!

A Palmer too! No wonder why

I felt rebuked beneath his eye.

Scott's novels and poetry are still read, and many of his works remain classics of both English-language literature and of Scottish literature. Famous titles include Ivanhoe, Rob Roy, The Lady of the Lake, Waverley, The Heart of Midlothian and The Bride of Lammermoor. As a side note, the novel of Ivanhoe introduces us to Robin Hood, as it was also the basis of the Comedy-Drama film; "A Knights Tale".

Answer 3

Sir Walter Scott wrote this line in his poem "Marmion," about the Battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

The actual line is "Oh what tangled webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

Answer 4

Shakespeare.

Most think it was Shakespeare but it was actually Sir Walter Scott in "Mamion"

Answer 5

No, that phrase was written by Sir Walter Scott in his poem "Marmion". Robert Burns, a Scottish poet, is best known for his works such as "Auld Lang Syne" and "Tam o' Shanter".

Answer 6

Robert Burns

Answer 7

Cx

Answer 8

Shakespear