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
Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Silence can express deep joy better than words, and true love involves selfless sharing with a partner.
In this quote, Shakespeare emphasizes the power of silence as a profound expression of joy that transcends verbal communication. He suggests that love is characterized by an intimate bond where individuals willingly share themselves with one another, illustrating the beauty and depth of their connection through both unspoken feelings and mutual dedication.
Themes
SilenceJoyLoveSelflessnessExchange
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared at a wedding to emphasize the depth of love expressed without words.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes →Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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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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