Gentle spirit Quote by Shakespeare
““You see me, Lord Bassanio, where I stand, such as i am. Though for myself alone I would not be ambitious in my wish to wish myself much better, yet for you I would be trebled twenty times myself, a thousand times more rich, that only to stand high in your accunt I might in virtues, beauties, livings, friends, exceed account. But the full sum of me is sum of something, which, to term in gross, is an unlessoned girl, unschooled, unpracticed; happy in this, she is not yet so old but she may learn; happier than this, she is not bred so dull but she can learn; happiest of all, is that her gentle spirit commits itself to yours to be idrected as from her lord, her governor, her king. Myself, and what is mine, to you and yours is now converted. But now I was the lord of this fair mansion, master of my servants, queen o'er myself; and even now, but now, this house, these servants, and this same myself are yours, my lord's. I give them.””
About This Quote
Source Play: The Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 2
The speaker offers his entire self, wealth, and status to his patron, seeking approval and love, acknowledging his own imperfections and desire for guidance.
In simple terms: He gives everything to his lord, hoping for love and improvement.
Key Takeaway
Offer fully, seek guidance.
Themes
love
service
humility
identity
growth
Mood
devotional
hopeful
reflective
Type
literary
dramatic
romantic
When to use this quote
- courtship
- political alliance
- personal transformation
Key Concepts
Patronage
self‑sacrifice
social hierarchy
Questions to Reflect On
- What does true worth mean beyond another’s approval?
- Can humility coexist with self‑respect?
A Different Perspective
The speaker may be over‑valuing external validation over self‑worth.
