I wasted time, and now doth time waste me; For now hath time made me his numbering clock: My thoughts are minutes; and with sighs they jar Their watches on unto mine eyes, the outward watch, Whereto my finger, like a dial's point, Is pointing still, in cleansing them from tears. Now sir, the sound that tells what hour it is Are clamorous goans, which strike upon my heart, Which is the bell: so sighs and tears and groans Show minutes, times, and hours.

Summary

In this quote from Shakespeare's play Richard II, the speaker reflects on how they wasted their time in the past but now time is wasting them. They see their thoughts as minutes ticking away, and every sigh and tear serves as a reminder of the passing time. The speaker uses the imagery of a clock, with their finger acting as the dial's point, removing tears as they mark the hours. The sounds that indicate the present moment are like painful bells that strike the speaker's heart, showing how their sighs, tears, and groans are a manifestation of the passing minutes, times, and hours.

Topics