Let fancy still in my sense in Lethe steep; if it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!

Let fancy still in my sense in Lethe steep; if it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!

The line “Let fancy still in my sense in Lethe steep; if it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!” is from William Shakespeare’s play “The Tempest”. In this line, the character Ferdinand expresses his desire to remain in a state of blissful ignorance and illusion rather than face the harsh realities of life.

The word “fancy” in this context refers to the imagination or the faculty of forming mental images or concepts. “Lethe” is a reference to the river in Greek mythology that caused forgetfulness in those who drank from it. By saying “Let fancy still in my sense in Lethe steep”, Ferdinand is essentially asking to be immersed in a state of forgetfulness and illusion, where he can escape from the troubles and hardships of the real world.

The second part of the line, “if it be thus to dream, still let me sleep!”, further emphasizes Ferdinand’s desire to remain in a state of dreaming or illusion. He would rather continue to sleep and dream than wake up to the harsh realities of life.

This sentiment reflects a common theme in Shakespeare’s works, where characters often grapple with the tension between illusion and reality. In “The Tempest”, the character of Prospero uses his magical powers to create illusions and manipulate reality, blurring the lines between what is real and what is imagined.

Ferdinand’s desire to remain in a state of sleep and illusion can be seen as a form of escapism, a way to avoid facing the challenges and difficulties of life. It also speaks to the power of the imagination to create alternate realities and provide solace in times of trouble.

Overall, this line from “The Tempest” captures the complex relationship between illusion and reality in Shakespeare’s works, and highlights the enduring appeal of his plays in exploring the depths of human experience.