O, it came over my ear like the sweet south, that breathes upon a bank of violets, stealing, and giving odor!

O, it came over my ear like the sweet south, that breathes upon a bank of violets, stealing, and giving odor!

In William Shakespeare's play, A Midsummer Night's Dream, the character of Helena speaks these words in Act 3, Scene 2. This beautiful and poetic line captures the essence of love and desire, as well as the power of language to evoke sensory experiences.

Helena is speaking about the words of love that she has heard from Demetrius, the man she loves. She describes how his words came to her like a gentle breeze, reminiscent of the sweet south wind that carries the scent of violets. This imagery creates a sense of intimacy and tenderness, as if Demetrius's words were a soft caress on her skin.

The comparison of Demetrius's words to the south wind and the scent of violets is particularly evocative. The south wind is often associated with warmth and comfort, while violets are known for their delicate fragrance. By using these images, Helena conveys the idea that Demetrius's words are both soothing and intoxicating, like a gentle breeze carrying the scent of flowers.

Furthermore, the idea of stealing and giving odor adds a layer of complexity to Helena's description. It suggests that Demetrius's words are both elusive and tangible, fleeting yet lasting. They have the power to both take something away and give something in return, much like the experience of love itself.

Overall, this line from A Midsummer Night's Dream showcases Shakespeare's mastery of language and his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion. Through Helena's words, we are transported to a world of love and desire, where even the simplest of phrases can have a profound impact. Shakespeare reminds us of the power of language to evoke sensory experiences and stir the soul, making us feel as if we too are standing on a bank of violets, breathing in the sweet south wind.