William Shakespeare's 12 Coldest Quotes
Early nightfall can change our moods from sweet to sour, and we've already found ourselves sleepier toward the end of the workday. If you find winter takes a toll on your mood, check out what it did to one of the world's most famous poets: William Shakespeare. The Bard called on winter as a metaphor to convey the disdain, disgust, and hopelessness of a character. The metaphor reappears dozens of times throughout Shakespeare's works. Here are some of the snowiest examples.
1. King Henry VI, Part II; Act 2, Scene 4
Thus sometimes hath the brightest day a cloud;
And after summer evermore succeeds
Barren winter, with his wrathful nipping cold:
So cares and joys abound, as seasons fleet.
2. King Henry VI, Part III; Act 2, Scene 3
I, that did never weep, now melt with woe
That winter should cut off our spring-time so.
3. King Richard III; Act 1, Scene 1
Now is the winter of our discontent
Made glorious summer by this sun of York;
And all the clouds that lour'd upon our house
In the deep bosom of the ocean buried.
4. The Two Gentlemen of Verona; Act 2, Scene 4
Should from her vesture chance to steal a kiss
And, of so great a favour growing proud,
Disdain to root the summer-swelling flower
And make rough winter everlastingly.
5. As You Like It; Act 2, Scene 3
The means of weakness and debility;
Therefore my age is as a lusty winter,
Frosty, but kindly.
6. Cymbeline; Act 4, Scene 2
Yea, and furr'd moss besides, when flowers are none,
To winter-ground thy corse.
7. Titus Andronicus; Act 3, Scene 1
In winter with warm tears I'll melt the snow
And keep eternal spring-time on thy face.
8. Romeo and Juliet; Act 1, Scene 2
Such comfort as do lusty young men feel
When well-apparell'd April on the heel
Of limping winter treads, even such delight
Among fresh female buds shall you this night.
9. Hamlet, Prince of Denmark; Act 5, Scene 1
O, that that earth, which kept the world in awe,
Should patch a wall to expel the winter flaw!
10. Venus and Adonis; Stanza 132
Love comforteth like sunshine after rain,
But Lust's effect is tempest after sun;
Love's gentle spring doth always fresh remain,
Lust's winter comes ere summer half be done.
11. Sonnets; Sonnet 5
For never-resting time leads summer on
To hideous winter and confounds him there;
Sap cheque'd with frost and lusty leaves quite gone,
Beauty o'ersnow'd and bareness every where.
12. The Passionate Pilgrim; Sonnet 12
Crabbed age and youth cannot live together:
Youth is full of pleasance, age is full of care;
Youth like summer morn, age like winter weather;
Youth like summer brave, age like winter bare.
For 12-12-12, we’ll be posting twenty-four '12 lists' throughout the day. Check back 12 minutes after every hour for the latest installment, or see them all here.