n sooth, I know not why I am so sad:It wearies me; you say it wearies you;But how I caught it, found it, or came by it,What stuff 'tis made of, whereof it is born,I am to learn;And such a want-wit sadness makes of me,That I have much ado to know myself.

Summary

In these lines from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice," the character Antonio expresses his puzzlement and overwhelming sadness. He acknowledges his own lack of understanding, unable to identify the cause or origin of his melancholy. Despite it being a burden for him, Antonio admits he struggles to comprehend the nature of his sorrow, leading him to have difficulty in even recognizing his true self. The quote highlights the enigmatic nature of sadness and its profound effect on one's sense of identity.

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