Why, what is pomp, rule, reign, but Earth and dust and, live we how we can, yet die we must

Why, what is pomp, rule, reign, but Earth and dust and, live we how we can, yet die we must

In the famous play "Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare, the character Angelo speaks the line, "Why, what is pomp, rule, reign, but Earth and dust and, live we how we can, yet die we must." This profound statement reflects the transient nature of power and wealth in the face of mortality.

Shakespeare often explored themes of power, ambition, and mortality in his works, and this line is no exception. The characters in his plays often grapple with the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death, despite their desires for power and control.