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About this quote

What does it mean?
Ranks love pains, especially unrequited love.
In plain terms
Loving in vain is the greatest pain.
What can you take from it?
Unreciprocated love hurts most.

Where it applies

  • heartbreak
  • reflection
  • artistic expression

Putting it to work

  • songwriting
  • diary entry
  • counseling

Questions to consider

  • Is unrequited love uniquely painful?
  • How do you cope?

Another view

Some find growth or clarity through heartbreak.

More from Abraham Cowley

  1. Fill all the glasses there, for why Should every creature drink but I? Why, man of morals, tell me why?

    Permalink to quote #9
  2. Hope, of all ills that men endure, The only cheap and universal cure.

    Permalink to quote #11
  3. The thirsty earth soaks up the rain, And drinks, and gapes for drink again; The plants suck in the earth, and are With constant drinking fresh and fair.

    Permalink to quote #8

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