Quote by William Shakespeare

Not marble nor the gilded monumentsOf princes, shall outlive this powerful rhyme,But you shall shine more bright in these contentsThan unswept stone, besmeared with sluttish time.When wasteful war shall statues overturnAnd broils roots out the work of masonry,Nor mars his sword nor war's quick fire shall burnThe living record of your memory.'Gainst death and all-oblivious enmityShall you pace forth; your praise shall still find roomEven in the eyes of all posterityThat wear this world out to the ending doom.So, till judgement that yourself arise,You in this, and dwell in lovers eyes.

Not marble nor the gilded monumentsOf princes, shall outlive

Summary

This quote is from Sonnet 55 by William Shakespeare. In this passage, Shakespeare asserts that traditional physical monuments, made of marble, gold, and built by princes, will not surpass the enduring power of his verse. He argues that while statues may be destroyed by war or time, his poetry will preserve the memory and praise of the subject more brightly than any neglected stone. Shakespeare claims that his words will defy death and remain in the hearts and minds of future generations, until the subject rises again on Judgment Day, dwelling eternally in the eyes of those who love.

Topics

Art Memory Fame Remembrance Posterity Monuments Sonnet 55

By William Shakespeare

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