I know love is begun by time, And that I see, in passages…
““I know love is begun by time, And that I see, in passages of proof, Time qualifies the spark and fire of it. There lives within the very flame of love A kind of wick or snuff that will abate it. And nothing is at a like goodness still. For goodness, growing to a pleurisy, Dies in his own too-much. That we would do, We should do when we would, for this “would” changes And hath abatements and delays as many As there are tongues, are hands, are accidents. And then this “should” is like a spendthrift sigh That hurts by easing.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love fades over time as passion wanes, and excessive goodness can become detrimental.
In simple terms: Time can diminish love, and too much goodness can hurt.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love's impermanence.
Themes
love
time
impermanence
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
philosophical
literary
When to use this quote
- relationships
- creative writing
- therapy
- philosophical discussion
Key Concepts
transience
balance
human frailty
Questions to Reflect On
- How do I balance love and personal growth?
- What does “goodness” mean to me?
A Different Perspective
Idealizing love may ignore realistic expectations.