A lover, when he is admitted to cards, ought to be…
“A lover, when he is admitted to cards, ought to be solemnly silent, and observe the motions of his mistress. He must laugh when she laughs, sigh when she sighs. In short, he should be the shadow of her mind. A lady, in the presence of her lover, should never want a looking-glass; as a beau, in the presence of his looking-glass, never wants a mistress.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Romantic partners should mirror each other's emotions and avoid self‑absorption, fostering mutual attentiveness and humility.
In simple terms: Mirror emotions, avoid vanity.
Cultivate attentive humility.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- first dates
- long‑term partnerships
- courtship rituals
Key Concepts
Practical Applications
- relationship counseling
- dating advice
Questions to Reflect On
- Why is mirroring important in intimacy?
- How does vanity undermine connection?