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
O, speak again, bright angel! for thou art As glorious to this night, being o'er my head As is a winged messenger of heaven
Interpretation
What this quote means
The speaker longs for the presence and beauty of a loved one, comparing them to a heavenly messenger.
In this quote from Shakespeare, the speaker expresses a deep yearning for the beloved's presence, equating their beauty and grace to that of a celestial being. The imagery of a 'bright angel' and a 'winged messenger of heaven' evokes feelings of admiration and reverence, highlighting the transformative power of love and the profound impact that such a connection can have on one's world.
Themes
LoveBeautyLongingAdmirationHeavenly
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used during a romantic wedding speech to express the beauty of love.
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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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The Mask "Put off that mask of burning gold With emerald eyes." "O no, my dear, you make so bold To find if hearts be wild and wise, And yet not cold." "I would but find what's there to find, Love or deceit." "It was the mask engaged your mind, And after set your heart to beat, Not what's behind." "But lest you are my enemy, I must enquire." "O no, my dear, let all that be, What matter, so there is but fire In you, in me?"
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Ecstatic Love is an ocean, and the Milky Way is a flake of foam floating on it.
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