But ’tis a common proof 22 That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, 23 Whereto the <climber-upward> turns his face; 24 But, when he once attains the upmost round, 25 He then unto the ladder turns his back, 26 Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees 27 By which he did ascend.
BRUTUS
. . . But ’tis a common proof 22
That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, 23
Whereto the < climber-upward > turns his face; 24
But, when he once attains the upmost round, 25
He then unto the ladder turns his back, 26
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees 27
By which he did ascend. . . .
[Act 2 Scene 1]
