--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: That you were once unkind befriends me…" description: "\"That you were once unkind befriends me now, And for that sorrow, which I then did feel, Needs must I under my transgression bow, Unless my nerves were ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/577/william-shakespeare-4_bows_that-you-were-once-unkind-befriends-me-n_300858.jpg" --- # That you were once unkind befriends me now, And for that… ![“That you were once unkind befriends me now, And for that sorrow, which I then did feel, Needs must I under my transgression bow, Unless my nerves were brass or hammered steel.” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/577/william-shakespeare-4_bows_that-you-were-once-unkind-befriends-me-n_300858.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/577/william-shakespeare-4_bows_that-you-were-once-unkind-befriends-me-n_300858.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/577/william-shakespeare-4_bows_that-you-were-once-unkind-befriends-me-n_300858.jpg) > “That you were once unkind befriends me now, And for that sorrow, which I then did feel, Needs must I under my transgression bow, Unless my nerves were brass or hammered steel.” [William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/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 admits past unkindness and feels sorrow, demanding atonement unless they are unfeeling. **In simple terms:** Admitting past cruelty and seeking redemption. Key Takeaway Own your mistakes, seek redemption. Themes guilt redemption self‑awareness Mood regret hopeful Type moral philosophical When to use this quote - conflict resolution - personal growth - apology Key Concepts ethics human frailty Questions to Reflect On - What must you change to truly atone? - Can you be compassionate toward yourself? A Different Perspective True remorse may be hindered by pride or denial. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Brass](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brass/) [Forgiveness](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiveness/) [Grief](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grief/) [Nerves](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/nerves/) [Sorrow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/sorrow/) [Transgression](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/transgression/) ## Related quotes > [“She did not look her best: so thin, so large-nosed, with that pink-and-white checked duster tied round her head. She felt her disadvantage. But…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/d-h-lawrence/she-did-not-look-her-best-so-thin-so-large-nosed-with-that-pink-and/) [D. H. 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