O! how much more doth beauty beauteous seem By that sweet…
““O! how much more doth beauty beauteous seem By that sweet ornament which truth doth give. The rose looks fair, but fairer we it deem For that sweet odour, which doth in it live. The canker blooms have full as deep a dye As the perfumed tincture of the roses. Hang on such thorns, and play as wantonly When summer's breath their masked buds discloses: But, for their virtue only is their show, They live unwoo'd, and unrespected fade; Die to themselves. Sweet roses do not so; Of their sweet deaths, are sweetest odours made: And so of you, beauteous and lovely youth, When that shall vade, by verse distills your truth.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Beauty appears more attractive when enhanced by truth; true virtue shines beyond superficial charm.
In simple terms: Truth makes beauty deeper.
Key Takeaway
Seek truth to enhance true beauty.
Themes
beauty
truth
virtue
appearance
Mood
thoughtful
poetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- evaluating relationships
- appreciating inner qualities
- artistic critique
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
aesthetic philosophy
authenticity
Questions to Reflect On
- What truths do you value over appearances?
- How does honesty change your perception of beauty?
A Different Perspective
Superficial beauty can still hold value despite truth.