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
What power is it which mounts my love so high, that makes me see, and cannot feed mine eye
Interpretation
What this quote means
The intensity of love can elevate one's emotions and perceptions beyond physical limitations.
In this quote by William Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming power of love that elevates their feelings and perceptions to extraordinary heights. It suggests that love can inspire a profound vision or ideal that is so captivating yet remains unattainable, as the desire for more can lead to a sense of longing that is insatiable.
Themes
LoveEmotionDesirePerceptionLonging
In practice
Example use cases
In a wedding speech, to illustrate the depth of love between partners.
More from William Shakespeare
All quotes βLove bears it out even to the edge of doom.
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Good company, good wine, good welcome, can make good people.
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Absence doth sharpen love, presence strengthens it; the one brings fuel, the other blows it till it burns clear.
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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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