And do so, love, yet when they have devised What strainèd…
“And do so, love, yet when they have devised What strainèd touches rhetoric can lend, Thou, truly fair, wert truly sympathized In true plain words by thy true-telling friend; And their gross painting might be better used Where cheeks need blood; in thee it is abused.”
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 urges honest, plain speech over ornate rhetoric, emphasizing sincere sympathy and the misuse of grand language for shallow matters.
In simple terms: Speak plainly and sincerely, not with flashy words.
Key Takeaway
Value truth over style.
Themes
communication
honesty
artistry
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- political discourse
- creative writing
Key Concepts
rhetoric
sympathy
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- How does plain speech affect trust?
- When is eloquence appropriate?
A Different Perspective
Ornate language can obscure genuine feeling.