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).
Men are April when they woo, December when they wed.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote indicates that men are charming and playful when pursuing a romantic interest but can become serious and cold once they are committed.
Shakespeare's quote reflects the contrasting behaviors of men in romantic relationships. During the courtship phase, men are likened to the lively and rejuvenating month of April, full of hope and fervor. However, once they commit through marriage, they may take on a demeanor resembling the cold and harsh nature of December, emphasizing a potential shift from romantic excitement to a more serious and possibly less affectionate phase of life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a wedding toast, one might use this quote to humorously mention the changes in romance.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove 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.
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