In this state she gallops, night by night, over ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream

In this state she gallops, night by night, over ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream

The line "In this state she gallops, night by night, over ladies' lips, who straight on kisses dream" is from William Shakespeare's play "Romeo and Juliet". This line is spoken by Mercutio in Act 1, Scene 4 as he describes Queen Mab, the fairies' midwife who visits people's dreams.

Queen Mab is a mythical character who is said to bring dreams to people as they sleep. In this particular passage, Mercutio describes how Queen Mab rides through the night, visiting the lips of ladies who dream of kisses. This imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a fantastical creature who brings both joy and mischief to people's dreams.

The mention of "ladies' lips" in this line is significant as it highlights the romantic and sensual nature of Queen Mab's visits. The idea of dreaming of kisses suggests a longing for love and intimacy, which is a central theme in "Romeo and Juliet". The play revolves around the passionate love between the two young protagonists, Romeo and Juliet, and their desire to be together despite the obstacles that stand in their way.

The mention of Queen Mab in this passage also serves to foreshadow the events that will unfold in the play. Queen Mab is a symbol of the chaos and unpredictability of human emotions, and her presence in the story hints at the tumultuous journey that Romeo and Juliet will embark on as they navigate the complexities of love and fate.

Overall, this line from "Romeo and Juliet" is a beautiful and poetic description of Queen Mab and her role in shaping the dreams and desires of the characters in the play. It captures the essence of Shakespeare's writing, with its rich imagery and profound insights into the human experience.