Does anyone know who wrote this quote? I've seen it stated at least two ways: "Oh what a wicked web we weave, when first we practice to deceive." or "O, what wicked webs we weave, when first we practice to deceive." I have seen it attributed to both Shakespear and Sir Walter Scott. Can anyone tell me who the quote belongs to and what the correct wording is? Can you also tell me where I might find the quotation in the author's works, a particular poem, play or whatever along with scene, act, or line numbers if possible. Thanks, Josh

I would have sworn it was Shakespeare, but Barlett's quotations gives it to Sir Walter Scott. "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!" -Sir Walter Scott, Marmion, Canto vi Stanza 17 That's what I get for swearing.

Attached Link: You can find the whole poem here

XVII. "In brief, my lord, we both descried (For then I stood by Henry's side) The Palmer mount, and outwards ride, Upon the earl's own favourite steed: All sheathed he was in armour bright, And much resembled that same knight, Subdued by you in Cotswold fight: Lord Angus wished him speed." The instant that Fitz-Eustace spoke, A sudden light on Marmion broke: "Ah! dastard fool, to reason lost!" He muttered; "'Twas nor fay nor ghost I met upon the moonlight wold, But living man of earthly mould. O dotage blind and gross! Had I but fought as wont, one thrust Had laid De Wilton in the dust, My path no more to cross. How stand we now?--he told his tale To Douglas; and with some avail; 'Twas therefore gloomed his rugged brow. Will Surrey dare to entertain, 'Gainst Marmion, charge disproved and vain? Small risk of that, I trow. Yet Clare's sharp questions must I shun; Must separate Constance from the nun - Oh, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practise to deceive! A Palmer too!--no wonder why I felt rebuked beneath his eye: I might have known there was but one Whose look could quell Lord Marmion."

Well, you learn something new every day! I could have sworn it was Shakespeare too. Shanna :-)

'by the pricking of my thumb, something wicked this way comes..;) there..some Shakespeare..;)

Wow. Ask and ye shall receive. Thanks a bunch dialyn. I searched quite a few of the quotation sites online and none of them told me as much as you did. Did you find this in Barlett's online or in a printed book? I thought I searched their site too, but maybe not. Anyway, thanks again. If I ever need to clarify another quote I'll know who to ask. :) Josh

We have very useful resources around here...usually one of us knows how to get to the answer. :) Yes, it was in Bartlett's online.

Thanks again dialyn. I did go to Bartlett's online before posting here but wasn't able to find it. Of course now I go there and find it right off. There has to be a quote somewhere about how easy it is for other people to find things for you in places you have already looked. :) Anyway, thanks again. Josh