--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When love begins to sicken and decay It…" description: "\"“When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: But hollow men, like horses hot at ..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/699/william-shakespeare-4_hollow_when-love-begins-to-sicken-and-decay-it_2773984.jpg" --- # When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced… ![“When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show, and promise of their mettle.” quote by William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/699/william-shakespeare-4_hollow_when-love-begins-to-sicken-and-decay-it_2773984.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/699/william-shakespeare-4_hollow_when-love-begins-to-sicken-and-decay-it_2773984.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/699/william-shakespeare-4_hollow_when-love-begins-to-sicken-and-decay-it_2773984.jpg) > ““When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show, and promise of their mettle.”” [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. Love that deteriorates becomes a forced ritual, lacking genuine faith, while insincere people put on a brave front. **In simple terms:** Decaying love turns into a hollow ceremony. Key Takeaway Recognize and address love’s decay early. Themes love faith authenticity hypocrisy Mood sad reflective critical Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - marriage counseling - friendship breakdown - team dynamics - personal relationships Key Concepts trust illusion social performance Questions to Reflect On - How do you distinguish genuine love from performative affection? - What signs indicate love is becoming hollow? A Different Perspective Even with ceremony, underlying emptiness remains. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Enforced Ceremony](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enforced-ceremony-614018/) [Gallant Promise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/gallant-promise-3262769/) [Hollow](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hollow/) [Hollow Men](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hollow-men-652358/) [Like Horses](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-horses-341569/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Plain and simple](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/plain-and-simple/) [Religion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/religion/) [Simple faith](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/simple-faith/) ## Related quotes > [Ever note, Lucilius, When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. 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