Then talk not of Inconstancy, False Hearts, and broken Vows; If I, by Miracle, can be This live-long Minute true to thee, 'Tis all that Heav'n allows.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Human faithfulness is so difficult that lasting true for even one minute is as much as heaven permits.
- In plain terms
- Don't blame me for changing my mind; staying loyal for a minute is all I can manage.
- What can you take from it?
- Human consistency is limited and fragile.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How long can you truly stay loyal?
- Is perfect consistency a realistic goal?
Another view
It excuses poor behavior by framing inconsistency as inevitable.
More from John, 2nd Earl of Rochester Wilmot
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