How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
He is stark mad, whoever says,
That he hath been in love an hour,
Yet not that love so soon decays,
But that it can ten in less space devour; (1-4)
The speaker starts off with some amazing facts about love. Did you know that love had the power to totally consume ten people in less than an hour? That's some serious power, folks.
Quote #2
Ah, what a trifle is a heart,
If once into love's hands it come! (9-10)
The human heart is really nothing compared to the absolute power of love. It's just a toy to be played with, as far as all-powerful love is concerned.
Quote #3
He swallows us and never chaws;
By him, as by chain'd shot, whole ranks do die;
He is the tyrant pike, our hearts the fry. (14-16)
Sure, these are all violent metaphors, but they're also designed to communicate just how overwhelming, amazingly powerful love is. It can totally consume us like some giant, hungry fish. Compared to love, our hearts are no more powerful than baby guppies.