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
What's to come is still unsure: In delay there lies no plenty; Then come kiss me, sweet and twenty, Youth's a stuff will not endure.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the uncertainty of the future and the fleeting nature of youth.
In this quote from Shakespeare, the speaker expresses the idea that one should embrace love and romance while they are young, as youth is temporary and uncertain. The phrase suggests that delaying romantic experiences does not bring abundance; rather, it highlights the importance of seizing the moment and cherishing fleeting opportunities for affection before they pass.
Themes
YouthLoveUncertaintySeize The MomentRomance
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to remind students to cherish their youth and the relationships they build.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove bears it out even to the edge of doom.
William ShakespeareRead
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
William ShakespeareRead
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
William ShakespeareRead
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
William ShakespeareRead
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
William ShakespeareRead
Similar quotes
Weird love's better than no love at all.
Stephen KingRead
Love always elevates the character of man. It never lowers him, provided love be love
Bhagat SinghRead
Dreamily the Princess stood up. "I'm not sure if I can walk," she said. "Then I'll carry you." "Is that what love is?" "I no longer know what love is. A week ago I had a lot of ideas. What love is and how to make it stay. Now that I'm in love, I haven't a clue. Now that I'm in love, I'm completely stupid on the subject.
Tom RobbinsRead
You can't reason with your heart; it has its own laws, and thumps about things which the intellect scorns.
Mark TwainRead
There is no shame in loving. If your septons say there is, your seven gods must be demons. In the isles we know better. Our gods gave us legs to run with, noses to smell with, hands to touch and feel. What mad cruel god would give a man eyes and tell him he must forever keep them shut, and never look at all the beauty in the world? Only a monster god, a demon of the darkness.
George R. R. MartinRead
Got a long list of ex-lovers, they'll tell you I'm insane. But I got a blank space baby, and I'll write your name.
Taylor SwiftRead