Meaning & Analysis
Promises made by lovers should not be relied upon; such vows are often broken or insincere.
Insights
Fickleness of Passion
The proverb suggests that romantic passion is changeable and impulsive, leading lovers to make grand promises that are quickly forgotten once circumstances or feelings change.
Insincerity and Exaggeration
It implies that lovers may exaggerate, flatter, or even deceive in pursuit of affection, using vows more as tools of persuasion than as binding commitments.
Unreliability of Emotion
The saying comments on the inherent unreliability of emotional declarations, especially under the influence of desire or courtship, cautioning listeners to be wary of taking such words at face value.
Historical and Literary Resonance
From Heywood to Whetstone to Sampson, writers and moralists have warned of the ease with which lovers make and break vows. Shakespeare satirizes this in 'As You Like It': 'The oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster.'
Social Commentary
The proverb reflects a pragmatic (even cynical) attitude toward romance, recognizing that intense feeling is often temporary and may override honesty or commitment.
Gender and Courtship
Historically, such warnings were often directed at women, urging caution in believing the promises of suitors—though the insight applies broadly to all human relationships colored by infatuation.
Mythological Allusion
The saying is closely related to the proverb 'Jove laughs at lovers' perjuries,' underscoring the long-held belief that even the gods expect lovers to break their vows.
Rhetorical Devices
Generalization
By referring to 'lovers' vows' collectively, the proverb universalizes its skepticism, giving it the weight of traditional wisdom.
Comparison and Analogy
Literary examples—such as Shakespeare’s comparison to a tapster’s promise—use analogy to make the warning vivid and memorable.
Alliteration
The repeated 'v' sounds in 'vows' and 'trusted' contribute to the proverb’s rhythmic appeal.
Transcription
Quotations
Louyng and lyeng haue we brought nowe hyther Louers and lyers to ley both to gyther.
Lovers feare not how they sweare, to wyn a Lady fayre, And hauing wonne what they wish, for othes nor Lady care.
Foolish lovers vows, like breath on steele, as soone are of, as on.
Shakespeare Citations
The oath of a lover is no stronger than the word of a tapster: they are both the confirmer of false reckonings.
All lovers swear more performance than they are able.
Cross References
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
Used under CC BY-NC 3.0.