With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come

With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come

The line "With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come" is from William Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." This quote is spoken by Portia, one of the main characters in the play. In this context, Portia is expressing the idea that laughter and joy can help to ease the passage of time and make the aging process more bearable.

Throughout the play, Portia is portrayed as a wise and compassionate character who values inner beauty and kindness over outward appearances. She is known for her intelligence, wit, and sense of humor, and she often uses these qualities to navigate the challenges she faces. In this particular scene, Portia is reflecting on the inevitability of aging and the changes that come with it. Rather than lamenting the loss of youth and beauty, she chooses to embrace the natural process of growing older with grace and humor.

The phrase "old wrinkles" is a metaphor for the physical signs of aging that inevitably appear on the face over time. By suggesting that these wrinkles should be welcomed with mirth and laughter, Portia is advocating for a positive and accepting attitude towards aging. She believes that laughter and joy can help to soften the impact of aging and bring a sense of lightness and acceptance to the process.

This quote also speaks to the idea that true beauty comes from within, rather than from external appearances. Portia's character is a shining example of this belief, as she is admired not only for her physical beauty but also for her intelligence, kindness, and strength of character. By embracing the natural process of aging with humor and grace, Portia demonstrates that true beauty is timeless and transcends the limitations of age.