Meaning: The quote "My tears will keep no channel, know no laws to guide their streams, but like the waves, their cause, run with disturbance till they swallow me" is a poignant statement that vividly captures the overwhelming and uncontrollable nature of the speaker's emotions. This quote is from the English poet John Cleveland, who was known for his powerful and emotive poetry during the 17th century. In this particular quote, Cleveland uses evocative imagery to convey the intense and turbulent feelings of the speaker, as they navigate through a state of deep despair and misery.

The comparison of tears to waves conveys a sense of chaos and instability, as the tears flow without any defined path or restraint. The absence of a "channel" or "laws to guide their streams" suggests that the speaker's emotions are uncontainable and unregulated, mirroring the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of the waves. This imagery serves to emphasize the overwhelming and consuming nature of the speaker's sorrow, as the tears, much like the waves, "run with disturbance" and threaten to engulf them entirely.

Furthermore, the use of the phrase "swallow me" conveys a sense of being overwhelmed and consumed by the depth of the speaker's misery. The imagery of being swallowed by the waves of emotion evokes a feeling of helplessness and being unable to escape the overwhelming despair that the speaker is experiencing. This stark imagery effectively communicates the profound sense of anguish and hopelessness that the speaker is grappling with, highlighting the depth of their emotional turmoil.

John Cleveland was a prominent poet of the mid-17th century, known for his skillful use of language and his ability to capture intense emotions in his work. His poetry often explored themes of love, loss, and the human experience, and this quote is a powerful example of his ability to express deep emotional turmoil through vivid and evocative imagery.

In conclusion, the quote "My tears will keep no channel, know no laws to guide their streams, but like the waves, their cause, run with disturbance till they swallow me" by John Cleveland encapsulates the overwhelming and uncontrollable nature of the speaker's emotions. Through the use of vivid imagery, Cleveland effectively conveys the profound sense of despair and turmoil that the speaker is experiencing, illustrating the consuming and relentless nature of their misery. This quote serves as a testament to Cleveland's ability to capture intense emotions and communicate them in a deeply evocative manner, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.