"If this be not love, it is madness, and then it is pardonable"

This quote by William Congreve is a reflection on the power of love. He is recommending that if a person is feeling something that is not love, then it must be madness. Nevertheless, if it is insanity, then it is reasonable and can be forgiven. This quote talks to the concept that love is an effective emotion that can cause people to act in irrational ways. It also recommends that love is something that needs to be welcomed and accepted, even if it leads to unreasonable habits. Congreve is recommending that love is a powerful emotion that should be respected and accepted, even if it leads to illogical behavior. He is likewise recommending that it is very important to be comprehending and forgiving of those who act out of love, even if it is illogical. This quote speaks with the idea that love is an effective feeling that ought to be appreciated and accepted, even if it results in illogical behavior.