A mighty pain to love it is, And 't is a pain that pain to miss; But of all pains, the greatest pain It is to love, but love in vain.
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
Putting it to work
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
Fill all the glasses there, for why Should every creature drink but I? Why, man of morals, tell me why?
Permalink to quote #9 Hope, of all ills that men endure, The only cheap and universal cure.
Permalink to quote #11 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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