I swear to thee by Cupid's strongest bow, By his best arrow, with the golden head, By the simplicity of Venus' doves, By that which knitteth souls and prospers loves, And by that fire which burn'd the Carthage queen, When the false Trojan under sail was seen,- By all the vows that ever men have broke, In number more than ever women spoke,
In this passage from "A Midsummer Night's Dream," the speaker swears by various symbols of love and desire, invoking Cupid, Venus, and references to mythological figures like Dido of Carthage. These oaths emphasize the depth and seriousness of romantic feelings, suggesting that true love is both powerful and transformative. Each reference highlights an aspect of love's complexity, blending passion with the fragility of promises made and broken.
The speaker's elaborate vow reflects a deep commitment, contrasting with the reality that many vows, particularly in love, are often unfulfilled. The mention of Cupid’s arrow and the simplicity of doves suggests both the innocence and the profound nature of love, while the acknowledgment of the multitude of broken vows hints at the instability inherent in romantic relationships. This tension between idealism and reality captures the essence of love explored throughout Shakespeare's work.
