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, all so soon asleep! I wish mine eyes Would, with themselves, shut up my thoughts.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a desire for the mind to find peace and rest, suggesting a struggle with overwhelming thoughts.
In this quote from William Shakespeare, the speaker reflects on the overwhelming nature of their thoughts and the longing for respite. The imagery of wanting their eyes to shut down their thoughts indicates a yearning for tranquility in a restless mind, as if sleep could offer a temporary escape from lifeβs burdens and the chaos of oneβs emotions and ideas. It highlights the human experience of grappling with mental turmoil and the universal desire for peace.
Themes
ThoughtsSleepPeaceRestMind
In practice
Example use cases
This quote could be shared during a mindfulness workshop to emphasize the importance of mental peace.
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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