There comes an end to summer, To spring showers and hoar…
““There comes an end to summer, To spring showers and hoar rime; His mumming to each mummer Has somewhere end in time, And since life ends and laughter, And leaves fall and tears dry, Who shall call love immortal, When all that is must die ? Nay, sweet, let’s leave unspoken The vows the fates gainsay, For all vows made are broken, We love but while we may. Let’s kiss when kissing pleases, And part when kisses pall, Perchance, this time to-morrow, We shall not love at all. You ask my love completest, As strong next year as now, The devil take you, sweetest, Ere I make aught such vow. Life is a masque that changes, A fig for constancy! No love at all were better, Than love which is not free." -"To His Mistress””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem reflects on the fleeting nature of love and life, urging acceptance of impermanence and caution against binding vows.
In simple terms: Love and life are temporary; cherish moments without making lasting promises.
Key Takeaway
Embrace love now, without demanding permanence.
Themes
impermanence
love
mortality
caution
acceptance
Mood
melancholic
reflective
romantic
Type
poetic
philosophical
emotional
When to use this quote
- romantic partnership
- creative writing
- personal reflection
- celebrations
- grief
Key Concepts
existentialism
romanticism
temporal nature
relationships
personal growth
artistic expression
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance desire for lasting connection with acceptance of change?
- What vows are worth keeping despite uncertainty?
A Different Perspective
Love cannot be guaranteed forever; expectations may lead to disappointment.