This proverb is based on words from William Congreve's (1670–1729) novel The Mourning Bride: "Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." It has been interpreted to mean that a person who has been rejected by someone they love will bring about the destruction of some or all women. This interpretation comes from Congreve's use of the word "hell" in this sentence. The phrase came into popular usage through Henry David Thoreau's book Walden: "Hell is other people." It is also found in Shakespeare's play Othello: "I do believe you think me mad; / And be it so, I know how to be silent." Finally, the phrase can be found in Herman Melville's book Moby-Dick: "Now, if ever hell had a devil, he was it." It has been used as text for wedding invitations and anniversaries. It has even been printed on T-shirts. Women have used the phrase in response to any number of incidents where they have been insulted by men.