Mend your speech a little,
Lest it may mar your fortunes.
– William Shakespeare
King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1. When Cordelia steadfastly refuses to participate in Lear’s "who loves Daddy most" charade, he admonishes her for her obdurate stance. He warns her that she stands to lose her one-third share of the kingdom if she doesn’t express a little more love in her speech.