Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being…
“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with loving tears. What is it else? A madness most discreet, A choking gall, and a preserving sweet. *Here’s what love is: a smoke made out of lovers' sighs. When the smoke clears, love is a fire burning in your lover’s eyes. If you frustrate love, you get an ocean made out of lovers' tears. What else is love? It’s a wise form of madness. It’s a sweet lozenge that you choke on.*”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Love is portrayed as a paradoxical force that can be both intoxicating and painful, inspiring both joy and madness.
In simple terms: Love is a sweet, maddening fire that can bring tears.
Key Takeaway
Recognize love’s dual nature and cherish its intensity.
Themes
love
paradox
emotion
madness
joy
Mood
passionate
reflective
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- Romantic relationships
- heartbreak
- creative inspiration
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
Romanticism
dualism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance love’s joy and pain?
- When does love become destructive?
A Different Perspective
Love’s intensity can lead to irrational decisions and emotional volatility.