But then I sigh, and with a piece of scripture,Tell them that God bids us do good for evil.And thus I clothe my naked villainyWith odd old ends stolen forth of holy writ,And seem I a saint, when most I play the Devil.

Summary

This quote, from Shakespeare's play "Richard III," depicts the manipulative cunning of a villain. It suggests that the character pretends to be virtuous by selectively using pieces of scripture to justify their actions. This portrayals highlights the deceptive nature of the character, as they utilize religious texts to disguise their true evil intentions, presenting themselves as righteous while engaging in harmful deeds. It explores the dualistic nature of human beings, showcasing how one can appear saintly while engaging in devilish behavior.