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
Silence is the perfectest herald of joy: I were but little happy, if I could say how much. Lady, as you are mine, I am yours: I give away myself for you and dote upon the exchange.
Interpretation
Silence can express deep joy better than words, and true love involves selfless sharing with a partner.
In this quote, Shakespeare emphasizes the power of silence as a profound expression of joy that transcends verbal communication. He suggests that love is characterized by an intimate bond where individuals willingly share themselves with one another, illustrating the beauty and depth of their connection through both unspoken feelings and mutual dedication.
In practice
This quote can be shared at a wedding to emphasize the depth of love expressed without words.
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).
Love 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.
My life used to be full of everything. Now if you aren't with me I haven't a thing in the world.
Love is the victor in every case. Love breaks down the iron bars of thought, and sets the captive free.
Did I offer peace today? Did I bring a smile to someone's face? Did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love?' These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will be many fruits, here in this world and the life to come.
I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, And wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Love is a fog that burns with the first daylight of reality.
You don't love someone because they're perfect," she says. "You love them in spite of the fact that they're not." I don't know how to respond to that; it's like being told after thirty-five years that the sky, which I've seen as a brilliant blue, is in fact rather green.
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