To - morrow is Saint Valentine's day. all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine

To - morrow is Saint Valentine's day. all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine

The quote "To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day, all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine" is from William Shakespeare's play "Hamlet". In this scene, Ophelia, the daughter of Polonius and love interest of Hamlet, is speaking to her brother Laertes about the upcoming Valentine's Day. The quote captures the romantic and hopeful spirit of the holiday, as Ophelia expresses her desire to be Hamlet's Valentine.

Valentine's Day was a popular holiday in Shakespeare's time, celebrated with gifts, poems, and declarations of love. Ophelia's words convey her eagerness to show her affection for Hamlet and to be chosen as his Valentine. The image of a maid at someone's window on Valentine's Day was a common trope in Elizabethan literature, symbolizing the pursuit of love and romance.

Ophelia's declaration also reflects the themes of love and courtship that are central to many of Shakespeare's plays. Love is a powerful force in Shakespeare's works, driving characters to great heights of passion and despair. In "Hamlet", the love between Hamlet and Ophelia is complicated by the political intrigue and personal conflicts that surround them. Ophelia's desire to be Hamlet's Valentine is a poignant reminder of the fragile and fleeting nature of love in a world filled with uncertainty and betrayal.

The quote also highlights the role of women in Shakespeare's plays, particularly in matters of love and romance. Ophelia's position as a maid at Hamlet's window suggests a sense of vulnerability and dependence, as she waits for him to notice and choose her. Women in Shakespeare's time were often expected to be passive and obedient in matters of love, waiting for men to make the first move. Ophelia's words reveal her longing for Hamlet's affection and her willingness to take a risk in the name of love.

Overall, the quote "To-morrow is Saint Valentine's day, all in the morning betime, and I a maid at your window, to be your Valentine" captures the romantic and hopeful spirit of Valentine's Day in the context of Shakespeare's works. It is a reminder of the power of love to inspire and transform, even in the face of adversity and uncertainty.