As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends, / I must not look to have; but, in their stead, / Curses, not loud but deep, mouth-honour, breath, / Which the poor heart would fain deny, and dare not" (5.3.25-28).
William ShakespeareRead
Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To digg the dust encloased heare! Blest be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses a plea for respect towards the resting place of a beloved friend.
In this poignant couplet, Shakespeare implores that those who visit his grave show reverence and respect, urging them to leave his resting place undisturbed. It encapsulates the deep bond of friendship, as he emphasizes the dignity of the deceased while also cursing anyone who might disrespect their final resting place.
Themes
FriendshipRespectGraveMourningReverence
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be used in a eulogy to honor a friend's memory.
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Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
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Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
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