And often took leave, but was loth to depart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker frequently announced their intention to leave but did not actually want to go.
- In plain terms
- He said he was leaving often but actually wanted to stay.
- What can you take from it?
- Verbal intentions may not match actual desires.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Do we really mean what we say?
- Is politeness always honest?
Another view
It presents a narrow view of social politeness as dishonesty.
More from Matthew Prior
Cured yesterday of my disease, I died last night of my physician.
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