Sweetest love, I do not go, For weariness of thee, Nor in hope the world can show A fitter love for me; But since that I Must die at last, 'tis best, To use my self in jest Thus by feigned deaths to die.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker says he leaves not from boredom but to cope with mortality through playful feigned death.
- In plain terms
- I leave to prepare for death through play.
- What can you take from it?
- Use humor to face mortality.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we face the end?
- Can play help us cope?
Another view
Some may find this approach too dismissive.
More from John Donne
Who are a little wise, the best fools be.
Permalink to quote #17 Yesternight the sun went hence, And yet is here today.
Permalink to quote #19 I am two fools, I know, For loving, and for saying so In whining poetry.
Permalink to quote #16
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