Love's Labour's Lost Men and Masculinity Quotes

MARIA
A man of sovereign parts he is esteemed,
Well fitted in arts, glorious in arms.
Nothing becomes him ill that he would well. (2.1.45-47)

Here we see what Elizabethan women wanted in a man: a good reputation, education, and strength in battle.

DUMAINE
O, would the King, Berowne, and Longaville
Were lovers too! (4.3.127-128)

While the women share everything – the notes, gifts and speeches from their suitors – the men try to be strong and keep their own secrets.

BEROWNE
O me, with what strict patience have I sat,
To see a king transformèd to a gnat! (4.3.173-174)

In his hypocritical tirade, Berowne teases the King for letting love make him small.