Hero and Leander Quotes

“It lies not in our power to love or hate, For will in us is overruled by fate.”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“Love deeply grounded, hardly is dissembled.”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“As in plain terms (yet cunningly) he crav'd it; / Love always makes those eloquent that have it (II.71-2).”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“His body was as straight as Circe's wand;
Jove might have spit out nectar from his hand.
Even as delicious meat is to taste,
So was his neck in touching, and surpast
The white of Pelop's shoulder: I could tell ye,
How smooth his breast was, and how white his belly,
And whose immortal fingers did imprint
That heavenly path with many a curious dint,
That runs along his back; but my rude pen
Can hardly blazen forth the loves of men,
Much less of powerful Gods: let it suffice
That my slack muse sings of Leander's eyes,
Those Orient cheeks and lips, exceeding his
That lept into the water for a kiss
Of his own shadow, and despising many,
Died ere he could enjoy the love of any.”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“Things senseless live by art, and rational die
By rude contempt of art and industry.”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“Love is not full of pity (as men say)/ But deaf and cruel where he means to prey. (Hero and Leander, 771–72)”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander

“A diamond set in lead his worth retains.”
― Christopher Marlowe, Hero and Leander