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If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine…

“If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.” quote by William Shakespeare
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“If I profane with my unworthiest hand This holy shrine, the gentle fine is this: My lips, two blushing pilgrims, ready stand To smooth that rough touch with a tender kiss.”

William Shakespeare

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 likens his lips to eager pilgrims, offering a kiss to soften a sacred place's profane touch.

In simple terms: Kissing can redeem a disrespectful act.

Key Takeaway

Use gentle affection to heal transgressions.

Themes

love redemption respect beauty

Mood

thoughtful romantic

Type

literary poetic

When to use this quote

  • intimate moments
  • conflict resolution
  • artistic expression

Key Concepts

romance metaphor poetry

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can affection truly repair disrespect?
  • When is apology more appropriate than a kiss?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may romanticize harmful actions.

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