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
Good friend for Jesus sake forbeare, To digg the dust encloased heare! Blest be the man that spares thes stones, And curst be he that moves my bones.
Interpretation
This quote expresses a plea for respect towards the resting place of a beloved friend.
In this poignant couplet, Shakespeare implores that those who visit his grave show reverence and respect, urging them to leave his resting place undisturbed. It encapsulates the deep bond of friendship, as he emphasizes the dignity of the deceased while also cursing anyone who might disrespect their final resting place.
In practice
This quote could be used in a eulogy to honor a friend's memory.
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).
Love bears it out even to the edge of doom.
Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
Lord, Lord, how this world is given to lying!
Give it an understanding, but no tongue.
In life you throw a ball. You hope it will reach a wall and bounce back so you can throw it again. You hope your friends will provide that wall.
A long visit to a friend is often a great bore. Never make people twice glad.
My father prayed because he had a good friend with whom to share the problems of the day.
Friendship is the only point in human affairs concerning the benefit of which all, with one voice, agree.
Friends: not one. Just a few acquaintances who imagine they feel something for me and who might be sorry if a train ran over me and the funeral was on a rainy day.
Strangers he gulls, but friends make fun of him.
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