Come away, come away death, and in sad cypress let me be laid

Come away, come away death, and in sad cypress let me be laid

"Come away, come away death, and in sad cypress let me be laid" is a poignant line from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night". The character who speaks these words is Duke Orsino, who is in love with the Countess Olivia but is unable to win her affections. The line reflects the deep despair and longing that Orsino feels as he pines for Olivia.

The use of the word "death" in this line is significant, as it conveys the idea of a desire to escape from the pain of unrequited love. Orsino is so consumed by his feelings for Olivia that he wishes for death as a release from his suffering. The image of being laid in "sad cypress" further emphasizes the sense of melancholy and despair that Orsino is experiencing. Cypress trees are often associated with mourning and death, adding to the somber tone of the line.

The repetition of the phrase "come away" also adds to the sense of urgency and desperation in Orsino's plea. He is so overwhelmed by his emotions that he longs for a swift end to his suffering. The use of the imperative form of the verb "let me be laid" further emphasizes Orsino's desire to be laid to rest in the cypress, as if he is already resigned to his fate.

Overall, this line captures the depth of Orsino's emotions and the intensity of his love for Olivia. It also highlights the theme of unrequited love that runs throughout the play, as Orsino's feelings are not reciprocated by Olivia. The use of imagery and language in this line helps to convey the sense of despair and longing that Orsino feels, making it a powerful and memorable moment in Shakespeare's play.