O! For a horse with wings!

O! For a horse with wings!

The phrase "O! For a horse with wings!" is a line from William Shakespeare's play, Cymbeline. In this play, the character Posthumus Leonatus utters these words in a moment of desperation and longing for a swift means of transportation. The line reflects the character's desire for a miraculous solution to his problems, as he is faced with a seemingly insurmountable challenge.

Posthumus Leonatus is a nobleman who is wrongly accused of betraying his king and is subsequently banished from the kingdom. In his exile, he longs to be reunited with his wife, Imogen, who he believes to be dead. The line "O! For a horse with wings!" is a poignant expression of his yearning to be with his beloved and to overcome the obstacles that stand in his way.

The image of a horse with wings is a fantastical and mythical one, symbolizing the idea of transcending earthly limitations and achieving the impossible. In Shakespeare's time, horses were the fastest mode of transportation available, and the addition of wings to a horse would make it even faster and more powerful. The phrase conveys a sense of urgency and desperation, as Posthumus Leonatus wishes for a miraculous solution to his predicament.

The line "O! For a horse with wings!" also speaks to the theme of fate and destiny in the play. Posthumus Leonatus is a character who is at the mercy of external forces beyond his control, and he longs for a supernatural intervention to change his circumstances. The image of a horse with wings suggests a desire for divine intervention or a miraculous turn of events that will allow him to overcome his challenges and achieve his goals.

Overall, the line "O! For a horse with wings!" captures the emotional intensity and dramatic tension of Cymbeline, as well as the universal human desire for a miraculous solution to life's difficulties. It is a powerful and evocative expression of longing and hope in the face of adversity, and it resonates with audiences to this day.