Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
I feel my griefs too, and there scarce is ground Upon my flesh t'inflict another wound. Yet dare I not complain, or wish for death With holy Paul; lest it be thought the breath Of discontent; or that these prayers be For weariness of life, not love of thee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses deep inner conflict between personal suffering and the desire to maintain a loving attitude.
In this quote, Ben Jonson reflects on the struggle of feeling profound grief while also grappling with the notion of love and the desire not to appear discontented. He conveys a sense of duty and reverence towards love, suggesting that even in one's suffering, one must refrain from complaint to uphold the sanctity of the relationship and avoid misunderstandings about one's commitment to life and love.
Themes
GriefLoveSufferingDutyFaith
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a memorial service to honor the complexity of grief and love.
More from Ben Jonson
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All concord's born of contraries.
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Queen and huntress, chaste and fair Now the sun is laid to sleep, Seated in thy silver chair, State in wonted manner keep: Hesperus entreats thy light Goddess, excellently bright.
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I know no disease of the soul but ignorance, a pernicious evil, the darkener of man's life, the disturber of his reason, and common confounder of truth.
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You are not now to think what's best to do, _x000D_ As in beginnings, but what must be done, _x000D_ Being thus enter'd; and slip no advantage _x000D_ That may secure you. Let them call it mischief; _x000D_ When it is past, and prosper'd , 'twill be virtue.
Ben JonsonRead
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