But what is Hope? Nothing but the paint on the face of Existence; the least touch of truth rubs it off, and then we see what a hollow-cheeked harlot we have got hold of.
Romances paint at full length people's wooing. But only give a bust of marriages.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Romantic stories often portray the excitement of courtship but rarely delve deeply into the complexities of marriage.
This quote by Lord Byron suggests that while romantic narratives tend to elaborate on the initial stages of love and courtship, they typically only provide a superficial view of marriage itself. It highlights the disparity between the idealized perception of romance and the intricate reality of long-term relationships, implying that the true challenges and dynamics of marriage are often glossed over in storytelling.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
During a wedding toast, one might reflect on the quote to emphasize the importance of understanding marriage beyond the romantic beginning.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
Absence - that common cure of love.
Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
Similar quotes
God Almighty (swt) says: My love is incumbent for those who love each other for Me; who sit together for Me; who visit each other for Me; and who spend on each other for Me.
If a thing loves, it is infinite.
If you want to see what judgment looks like, go to the cross. If you want to see what love looks like, go to the cross.
Suffering passes, while love is eternal. That's a gift that you have received from God. Don't waste it.
How will a person know, Selina, when the soul that has the affinity with hers is near it?" She answered, "She will know. Does she look for air, before she breathes it? This love will be guided to her; and when it comes, she will know. And she will do anything to keep that love about her, then. Because to lose it will be like a death to her.
I wanted to hear what she was saying. I wanted to smell that burnt midnight again, I wanted to feel that wind. It was a secret wanting, like a song I couldn't stop humming, or loving someone I could never have. No matter where I went, my compass pointed west. I would always know what time it was in California.