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.
Lord ByronRead
Wives in their husbands' absences grow subtler, And daughters sometimes run off with the butler.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote humorously suggests that when husbands are away, wives become more cunning, and daughters may act unpredictably.
Lord Byron's quote highlights the playful nature of relationships and the idea that absence can provoke unexpected behaviors in those left behind. It suggests that husbands' absence may lead to wives exhibiting cleverness or independence, while daughters may choose to act in ways that defy traditional expectations, alluding to infidelity in a humorous manner.
Themes
RelationshipsHumorAbsenceWivesHusbands
In practice
Example use cases
Using this quote in a speech about relationship dynamics during a marriage counseling session.
More from Lord Byron
All quotes βIt is the lava of the imagination whose eruption prevents an earthquake.
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For what were all these country patriots born? To hunt, and vote, and raise the price of corn?
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Absence - that common cure of love.
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Her great merit is finding out mine; there is nothing so amiable as discernment.
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But words are things, and a small drop of ink, Falling like dew, upon a thought, produces That which makes thousands, perhaps millions, think.
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