Come Sleep! Oh Sleep Violence Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Line)

Quote #4

I will good tribute pay, if thou do so. (8)

The word "tribute" isn't innocent at all. It makes us think of war, violence, and all that unpleasant business. You pay tribute to somebody that has conquered you, or can beat you up if you don't pony up.

Quote #5

A rosy garland and a weary head: (11)

No—there's nothing truly "rosy" going on here. It is impossible for anything having to do with roses to not make us think also of thorns. The image is of the speaker being stabbed with a rosy crown that has thorns in it—yikes. This could be a great metaphor for how he feels, don't you think?