If there were a sympathy in choice,War, death, or sickness, did lay siege to it,Making it momentary as a sound,Swift as a shadow, short as any dream,Brief as the lightning in the collied nightThat, in a spleen, unfolds both heaven and earth,And ere a man hath power to say 'Behold!'The jaws of darkness do devour it up;So quick bright things come to confusion.

Summary

This quote from Shakespeare's play "A Midsummer Night's Dream" describes the ephemeral nature of sympathy and how it can be easily overwhelmed and rendered insignificant by the forces of war, death, or sickness. Like a fleeting sound, a passing shadow, or a brief dream, sympathy is brief and momentary. The imagery of lightning in the dark night highlights the sudden and transient nature of sympathy, which can quickly vanish before one even has a chance to acknowledge it. Ultimately, the quote suggests that even the brightest and kindest actions or emotions can be easily overshadowed and consumed by darkness and chaos.

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