She pined in thought; and, with a green and yellow melancholy, she sat like patience on a monument, smiling at grief

She pined in thought; and, with a green and yellow melancholy, she sat like patience on a monument, smiling at grief

The line "She pined in thought; and, with a green and yellow melancholy, she sat like patience on a monument, smiling at grief" is a beautiful and evocative description of a woman who is deeply lost in her own thoughts and emotions. This line is from William Shakespeare's play "Twelfth Night," specifically from Act 2, Scene 4. In this scene, the character Viola, disguised as Cesario, is speaking to Orsino about love and the nature of grief.

The use of color imagery in this line is particularly striking. The mention of "green and yellow melancholy" suggests a sense of sickness or decay, as these colors are often associated with illness and rot. The use of the word "pined" also adds to this sense of decay, as it implies a wasting away or longing for something unattainable. The image of the woman sitting "like patience on a monument" further emphasizes her stillness and resignation to her sorrow.

The phrase "smiling at grief" is perhaps the most intriguing part of this line. It suggests a sense of acceptance and even defiance in the face of suffering. The woman is not consumed by her grief, but rather she is able to smile at it, as if acknowledging its presence but not allowing it to control her. This image of resilience and strength in the face of adversity is a common theme in Shakespeare's works, and it is particularly poignant in this context.

Overall, this line captures the complex and often contradictory nature of human emotions. The woman in this scene is experiencing deep sadness and longing, yet she is also able to find moments of peace and acceptance. This duality of emotion is a hallmark of Shakespeare's writing, and it is what makes his work so timeless and universal.