Paint the lily

Posted by Henry October 30, 2003In reply to GILDING THE LILY posted by GPP on October 30, 2003

SOURCE& MEANING?

There's a discussion of this in the archives you might find useful. I've enclosed the link.

Yes, and it always helps to spell the words corrctly, too. Not to mention taking Caps Lock off before posting.

To gild refined gold, to paint the lily,
To throw a perfume on the violet,
To smooth the ice, or add another hue
Unto the rainbow, or with taper-light
To seek the beauteous eye of heaven to garnish,
Is wasteful and ridiculous excess.
King John, Act iv, Sc 2
William Shakespeare (1564-1616)