Stand not upon the order of your going

Stand not upon the order of your going

"Stand not upon the order of your going" is a famous line from William Shakespeare's play Macbeth. The line is spoken by Lady Macbeth as she urges her husband to act quickly and decisively in order to achieve their goals. In this context, the phrase means that one should not waste time or hesitate when taking action, but instead should act promptly and without delay.

The character of Lady Macbeth is known for her ambition and ruthlessness, and she is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve power and success. In this scene, she is trying to convince Macbeth to murder King Duncan in order to seize the throne. She knows that time is of the essence and that they must act quickly in order to avoid detection and achieve their goal.

The phrase "stand not upon the order of your going" can also be interpreted as a warning against procrastination or indecision. Lady Macbeth is telling Macbeth not to waste time debating or hesitating, but to take action immediately. She knows that if they do not act quickly, their opportunity may slip away and they may never achieve their ambitions.

This line is just one example of Shakespeare's skill at crafting powerful and memorable dialogue. Throughout his plays, Shakespeare uses language to convey complex emotions, motivations, and themes. In this case, the phrase "stand not upon the order of your going" encapsulates the urgency and desperation of Lady Macbeth's character, as well as the high stakes of the play as a whole.

Overall, "stand not upon the order of your going" is a powerful and evocative line that captures the essence of Lady Macbeth's character and the themes of ambition, power, and fate that run throughout Shakespeare's work. It serves as a reminder to act decisively and boldly in the face of challenges, and to seize opportunities when they arise.