This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well which thou must leave ere long

This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well which thou must leave ere long

The quote "This thou perceivest, which makes thy love more strong, to love that well which thou must leave ere long" is from Sonnet 73 by William Shakespeare. In this sonnet, Shakespeare reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of death. He uses the changing seasons and the image of a dying fire to illustrate the fleeting nature of life and love.

The quote speaks to the idea that knowing something is temporary can actually make our love for it stronger. When we are faced with the reality that we will eventually have to part with something or someone we hold dear, we are compelled to cherish and appreciate it even more. This awareness of impermanence can deepen our emotional connection and intensify our feelings of love and attachment.

In the context of Shakespeare's work, this theme of love and loss is a recurring motif. Many of his plays and sonnets explore the complexities of love, including the pain of separation and the inevitability of death. Shakespeare often portrays love as a powerful force that can transcend time and space, but also as something fragile and fleeting.