Young in limbs, in judgement old

Young in limbs, in judgement old

The phrase "Young in limbs, in judgement old" is a line from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." This line is spoken by Portia, one of the main characters in the play. In this context, Portia is describing herself as being physically young and full of energy, but mentally mature and wise beyond her years.

Portia is a wealthy and intelligent woman who is known for her beauty and wit. She is also a strong and independent character who is not afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes in. In the play, Portia disguises herself as a male lawyer in order to save her husband's friend Antonio from a cruel and unjust punishment. This act of bravery and cunning demonstrates Portia's quick thinking and resourcefulness, as well as her ability to see beyond the surface and understand the true nature of people and situations.

The phrase "Young in limbs, in judgement old" captures the essence of Portia's character perfectly. Despite her youthful appearance and vivacious personality, Portia possesses a wisdom and maturity that far surpasses her years. She is able to navigate the complexities of the world around her with grace and intelligence, using her keen judgement and sharp wit to outsmart her adversaries and achieve her goals.

This line also speaks to the theme of appearance versus reality that runs throughout "The Merchant of Venice." Portia's ability to appear young and innocent while possessing the wisdom and judgement of an older person highlights the idea that things are not always as they seem. Portia's character serves as a reminder that true wisdom and maturity come from experience and understanding, rather than simply from age.