It is generally accepted that the quote came from the bible, as a referrer requested where to find it there, but in actuality, the quote comes from Shakespeare, specifically, King Lear, "How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!" - (Act I, Scene IV). young Cordelia, in her integrity, refuses to allow so intimate a truth to be flaunted for public hearing, and says she loves him neither more nor less than the natural bond of daughter to her father. Lear infuriated, marries her off,and she flees,but the King hasn't gotten over his anger,and much later in the act, spouts off to Edmond,a suitor,and another daughter, Gonoril;
Lear to Gonoril and Edmond:
It may be so, my lord.
Hear, nature, hear; dear goddess, hear!
Suspend thy purpose, if thou didst intend
To make this creature fruitful!
Into her womb convey sterility!
Dry up in her the organs of increase;
And from her derogate body never spring
A babe to honour her! If she must teem,
Create her child of spleen; that it may live,
And be a thwart disnatured torment to her!
Let it stamp wrinkles in her brow of youth;
With cadent tears fret channels in her cheeks;
Turn all her mother's pains and benefits
To laughter and contempt; that she may feel
How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is
To have a thankless child! Away, away!
In conclusion,just how "thankless " was changed to "ungrateful", I can only suggest that they are similar in meaning and nature, but that ungrateful is a little stronger,and may have been done to avoid plagiarism.
OUI?
Comments