Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
Alexander PopeRead
But see, the shepherds shun the noonday heat,_x000D_ _x000D_ The lowing herds to murmuring brooks retreat,_x000D_ _x000D_ To closer shades the panting flocks remove;_x000D_ _x000D_ Ye gods! And is there no relief for love?
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on the pain of love and the desire for relief from it.
In this quote, Alexander Pope contrasts the physical relief that shepherds and their herds find from the midday heat with the emotional torment of love, questioning why there is no respite from this suffering. The imagery of animals seeking refuge from the heat underscores the intensity of longing and despair associated with love, suggesting that while nature provides solace for creatures of the earth, humans often find themselves in relentless emotional struggles.
Themes
LoveSufferingReliefPainEmotion
In practice
Example use cases
In a romantic poem reading at a wedding, to express the struggles of love.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes →What dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Alexander PopeRead
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
Alexander PopeRead
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
Alexander PopeRead
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Alexander PopeRead
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
Alexander PopeRead
Similar quotes
Love many things, for therein lies the true strength, and whosoever loves much performs much, and can accomplish much, and what is done in love is done well.
Vincent Van GoghRead
Her cheeks were flushed. She caught hold of the Savage's arm and pressed it, limp, against her side. He looked down at her for a moment, pale, pained, desiring, and ashamed of his desire. He was not worthy, not... Their eyes for a moment met. What treasures hers promised! A queen's ransom of temperament. Hastily he looked away, disengaged his imprisoned arm. He was obscurely terrified lest she should cease to be something he could feel himself unworthy of.
Aldous HuxleyRead
As a teenager I started painting and playing guitar...Music has been my playmate, my lover, and my crying towel...This song ("Until It's Time for You To Go") popped into my head while I was falling in love with someone I knew couldn't stay with me. The words are about honesty and freedom inside the heart.
Buffy Sainte-MarieRead
He, full of bashfulness and truth, loved much, hoped little, and desired naught.
Torquato TassoRead
I dare not ask a kiss;_x000D_ _x000D_ I dare not beg a smile;_x000D_ _x000D_ Lest having that or this,_x000D_ _x000D_ I might grow proud the while._x000D_ _x000D_ No, no, the utmost share_x000D_ _x000D_ Of my desire shall be_x000D_ _x000D_ Only to kiss that air,_x000D_ _x000D_ That lately kissed thee.
Robert HerrickRead
I like a man who's good, but not too good - for the good die young, and I hate a dead one.
Mae WestRead