"With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come"

William Shakespeare’s phrase “With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come” suggests an embrace of aging with a lightness of heart and a joyful spirit. Rather than dreading the signs of growing older, the “wrinkles”, the words advocate welcoming them, viewing them as markers of a well-lived life. Mirth, a term rich with connotations of merriment, cheer, and spontaneous joy, takes center stage here. The passage contends that laughter is not merely a superficial response to humor, but a vital companion through life, shaping our experiences and coloring our memories.

Within the lines, there’s a gentle admonishment against the fear and resistance that frequently accompany the passage of time. Youth and beauty often vanish all too quickly, but Shakespeare argues that what remains and accumulates, the physical evidence of time, should be cherished if created by happiness and good company. Those ‘old wrinkles’ become badges of happiness rather than marks of decline, evidence of a life filled with joyful experiences, shared jokes, and hearty laughter.

The words further suggest that an outlook rich with joy and the ability to find amusement, even as years add lines to the face, is a much more admirable and worthwhile pursuit than clinging to youth or mourning its passing. Aging, viewed through Shakespeare’s lens, is not a curse but a privilege, especially if accompanied by the laughter and pleasures of good company. There is wisdom here as well: happiness is not a product of youth, but an attitude, a choice, and a reflection of how one meets life’s challenges and blessings alike.

By advocating for mirth as a guiding force, an antidote to bitterness or regret, the text proposes that the quality of our years matters more than their number, and that laughter is a gift to carry with us, until the very end.