Tell troth and shame the devil.
Ben JonsonRead
It strikes! one, two, Three, four, five, six. Enough, enough, dear watch, Thy pulse hath beat enough. Now sleep and rest; Would thou could'st make the time to do so too; I'll wind thee up no more.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inevitability of time and the need for rest.
In this quote, Ben Jonson personifies a watch, illustrating the relentless passage of time and the idea that one must eventually come to terms with their own limits. The speaker acknowledges that both the watch and themselves have reached a point of exhaustion, suggesting a deeper commentary on mortality and the need to pause and reflect amidst life's continuous demands.
Themes
TimeRestMortalityReflectionExhaustion
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of self-care, one might say, 'As Ben Jonson noted, 'I'll wind thee up no more,' emphasizing the necessity to take breaks and rejuvenate.
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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