A heavy sentence, my most sovereign liege, And all…
“A heavy sentence, my most sovereign liege, And all unlooked-for from Your Highness' mouth. A dearer merit, not so deep a maim As to be cast forth in the common air, Have I deserved at Your Highness' hands. The language I have learned these forty years, My native English, now I must forgo; And now my tongue's use is to me nor more Than an unstringed viol or a harp. Or like a cunning instrument cased up, Or, being open, put into his hands That knows no touch to tune the harmony. Within my mouth you have enjailed my tongue, Doubly portcullised with my teeth and lips, And dull unfeeling barren ignorance Is made my jailer to attend onme.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker feels his language is imprisoned, stripped of its natural expression, turning his speech into a useless instrument.
In simple terms: He feels his speech is silenced and useless.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and restore authentic voice.
Themes
expression
silence
identity
power
language
Mood
frustrated
melancholic
reflective
Type
literary
dramatic
poetic
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- creative writing
- personal relationships
- cultural assimilation
Key Concepts
linguistics
self‑censorship
artistic restraint
Questions to Reflect On
- How does forced conformity affect personal expression?
- What can restore a silenced voice?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may overstate the loss; some communication still occurs despite constraints.