And while thou livest, dear Kate, take a fellow of plain…
““And while thou livest, dear Kate, take a fellow of plain and uncoined constancy; for he perforce must do thee right, because he hath not the gift to woo in other places: for these fellows of infinite tongue, that can rhyme themselves into ladies' favours, they do always reason themselves out again. What! a speaker is but a prater; a rhyme is but a ballad. A good leg will fall; a straight back will stoop; a black beard will turn white; a curled pate will grow bald; a fair face will wither; a full eye will wax hollow: but a good heart, Kate, is the sun and the moon; or, rather, the sun, and not the moon; for it shines bright and never changes, but keeps his course truly. If thou would have such a one, take me; and take me, take a soldier; take a soldier, take a king. And what sayest thou then to my love? speak, my fair, and fairly, I pray thee””
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 praises steadfast, honest love over flashy, fickle courtship, arguing true constancy is like the unchanging sun.
In simple terms: Honest love beats clever but shallow romance.
Key Takeaway
Value sincere, steady affection.
Themes
love
honesty
constancy
Mood
hopeful
thoughtful
Type
literary
romantic
When to use this quote
- marriage counseling
- friendship advice
- literary analysis
- personal relationships
Key Concepts
true love
courtship
character contrast
Questions to Reflect On
- Can constancy exist without stagnation?
- How do you define “true” love today?
A Different Perspective
Romantic ideals may clash with modern views on gender roles and equality.