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
Have you not a moist eye, a dry hand, a yellow cheek, a white beard, a decreasing leg, an increasing belly? Is not your voice broken, your wind short, your chin double, your wit single, and every part about you blasted with antiquity?
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inevitability of aging and the physical decline that comes with it.
William Shakespeare's quote highlights the various signs of aging that affect the body and spirit. Through a series of vivid descriptions, he prompts the listener to acknowledge the physical changes they may be experiencing, suggesting that aging is an inescapable part of life that brings about reflection on one's vitality and youthful vigor compared to their current state.
Themes
AgingReflectionDeclineVitalityMortalityAntiquity
In practice
Example use cases
During a speech on aging, one could use this quote to illustrate the physical changes we all face over time.
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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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