If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that even if someone seems very honest, Cardinal Richelieu could find something bad in just a few sentences they wrote that could be used to punish or even execute them. He's saying he has the power to twist someone's words to make them look guilty, no matter how good they seem.
About Cardinal Richelieu
Cardinal Richelieu was a powerful French Catholic prelate and statesman who played a key role in shaping 17th-century France. He sought to consolidate royal power, suppress Huguenot rebellions, and position France as a dominant force in the Thirty Years’ War, all while being a renowned patron of the arts and education.
More quotes from Cardinal Richelieu
War is one of the scourges with which it has pleased God to afflict men.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Carry on any enterprise as if all future success depended on it.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Give me six lines written by the most honorable of men, and I will find an excuse in them to hang him.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
Secrecy is the first essential in affairs of state.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)
I was excellent. Everybody loved me. I love myself, and I like bums.
French clergyman, cardinal, noble and statesman (1585-1642)