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O, here Will I set up my everlasting rest, And shake the yoke of inauspicious stars From this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last! Arms, take your last embrace! and, lips, O you The doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss A dateless bargain to engrossing death!
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

This quote addresses the struggle against fate and the acceptance of death.

In this powerful passage from Shakespeare, the speaker expresses a desire to escape the burdens imposed by fate and mortality. There is a profound sense of resignation and acceptance as they prepare to confront death, seeking solace in their final moments and a farewell to life. The imagery evokes deep emotions about love, loss, and the human condition, ultimately portraying death as an inevitable part of existence.

Themes

DeathFateMortalityAcceptanceLove

In practice

Example use cases

This quote is fitting for a eulogy, capturing the essence of life and death.

More from William Shakespeare

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).
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Love 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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