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
Fear no more the heat o' th' sun Nor the furious winters' rages; Thou thy worldly task hast done, Home art gone, and ta'en thy wages. Golden lads and girls all must, As chimney-sweepers, come to dust.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects the inevitability of death and encourages acceptance of life's cyclical nature.
In this quote, Shakespeare conveys a sense of peace regarding mortality, suggesting that when one's earthly responsibilities are complete, they can rest. The imagery of both the 'heat o' th' sun' and 'furious winters' rages' highlights the struggles faced in life, while the notion that 'golden lads and girls' ultimately 'come to dust' serves as a poignant reminder that all lives, regardless of their brilliance, end in the same way.
Themes
DeathMortalityAcceptanceLifeImpermanence
In practice
Example use cases
During a funeral, this quote can be used to comfort those grieving by reminding them of the peace that follows death.
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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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