QuoteProject
To this urn let those repair_x000D_ _x000D_ That are either true or fair;_x000D_ _x000D_ For these dead birds sigh a prayer.
William Shakespeare
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote reflects on the importance of truth and beauty in life, suggesting reverence for those attributes.

In this quote, Shakespeare invites people to pay their respects to an urn, symbolizing the memory of the deceased. He emphasizes that only those who value truth or beauty—qualities that transcend life—should approach it, as the urn contains the memory of 'dead birds,' representing lost potential or beauty, prompting a reflective prayer for their souls.

Themes

TruthBeautyMemoryReflectionRespect

In practice

Example use cases

During a memorial service, one might use this quote to emphasize the importance of honoring the deceased with truth and beauty.

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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