And, as I have heard, true love is not divided, and it must be voluntary, and not forced. Being this, as I think it is, why do you want my will to be for force, forced no more than you say you love me well? If not, tell me: if as the sky made me beautiful, it made me ugly, were it fair to complain about you because you don't love me?
In this excerpt from "Don Quixote," the speaker reflects on the nature of true love, emphasizing that it should be whole and willingly given; love cannot be obliged or coerced. They question the desire for control over another's will, suggesting that if love is genuine, it must come freely. The speaker challenges the idea that someone can require another's affection as a means of validation, implying that love must stem from genuine desire rather than obligation.
Furthermore, the speaker introduces a provocative thought experiment regarding beauty and affection, questioning the fairness of blaming someone for their lack of love. If external factors can influence attraction and feelings, then it is unjust to hold someone accountable for failing to love. This dialogue underscores a deep philosophical inquiry about love's nature, emphasizing that love should flourish naturally rather than through force or expectation.
