"Either to die the death or to abjure For ever the society of men. Therefore, fair Hermia, question your desires; Know of your youth, examine well your blood, Whether, if you yield not to your father's choice, You can endure the livery of a nun, For aye to be in shady cloister mew'd, To live a barren sister all your life, Chanting faint hymns to the cold fruitless moon. Thrice-blessed they that master so their blood, To undergo such maiden pilgrimage; But earthlier happy is the rose distill'd, Than that which withering on the virgin thorn Grows, lives and dies in single blessedness."

3 likes

Source: William Shakespeare (1864). “The Works of William Shakespeare”, p.162

About the author

William Shakespeare

Playwright, Poet

William Shakespeare was an English playwright and poet, renowned for his profound exploration of human emotions in works like 'Hamlet' and 'Othello.'

All quotes by William Shakespeare →

Same author

More quotes by William Shakespeare

See all →
William Shakespeare Playwright, Poet

"When I got enough confidence, the stage was gone. When I was sure of losing, I won. When I needed people the most, they left me. When I learnt to dry my tears, I found a shoulder to cry on. And when I mastered the art of hating, somebody started loving me."

Read quote