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
for Mercutio's soul Is but a little way above our heads, Staying for thine to keep him company: Either thou, or I, or both, must go with him.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the inevitability of death and companionship in the afterlife.
In this quote from Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet,' Mercutio speaks to the transient nature of life and the profound connection between those left behind and those who have passed on. The statement suggests that the bond of companionship extends beyond life itself, emphasizing that if one dies, the other must follow to join their friend in the afterlife, thereby highlighting themes of mortality and friendship.
In practice
This quote can be used in a eulogy to express the idea of companionship in death.
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).
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
Imagine one day, the hateful world around you collapses. And it is your attitude, words and actions that put an end to it. Will you be excited?
To begin with myself, then, the utterances of men concerning me will differ widely, since in passing judgment almost every one is influenced not so much by truth as by preference, and good and evil report alike know no bounds.
Only in the heart can one experience the divine presence of truth.
The existence of any evil anywhere at any time absolutely ruins a total optimism.
I feel closer to my country than ever. There is no longer a feeling of lonesome isolation. Instead-peace. I return without fearing prejudice that once bothered me . . . for I know that people practice cruel bigotry in their ignorance, not maliciously
Life has no meaning except in terms of responsibility.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.