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What early tongue so sweet saluteth me? Young son, it…

“What early tongue so sweet saluteth me? Young son, it argues a distemper'd head So soon to bid good morrow to thy bed: Care keeps his watch in every old man's eye, And where care lodges, sleep will never lie; But where unbruised youth with unstuff'd brain Doth couch his limbs, there golden sleep…” quote by William Shakespeare
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“What early tongue so sweet saluteth me? Young son, it argues a distemper'd head So soon to bid good morrow to thy bed: Care keeps his watch in every old man's eye, And where care lodges, sleep will never lie; But where unbruised youth with unstuff'd brain Doth couch his limbs, there golden sleep doth reign:”

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 quote contrasts youthful carefree sleep with the restless vigilance of age, suggesting youth enjoys deeper rest while age is burdened by care.

In simple terms: Youth sleeps peacefully; age is restless.

Key Takeaway

Value the peace of youth, acknowledge age’s concerns.

Themes

youth age sleep care restlessness

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • parenting advice
  • elder care
  • mental health strategies
  • literary analysis

Key Concepts

Life stages psychology time mortality

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does responsibility affect sleep quality?
  • Can age bring new forms of rest?
A Different Perspective

May generalize experiences across individuals.

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