Context

Oof. 

What an awkward/romantic confession, right?

Yep, this is Mr. Darcy's first proposal to Elizabeth in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. Darcy has been fighting his attraction for Lizzy because of her lower social status, but in the end, his love prevails over his "better judgment," and he admits his love and asks for her hand in marriage.

In case you're horrified, don't worry—she says no.

Where you've heard it

You're looking at one of the more famous lines in one of the more famous novels in the English language, so it's quite possible you've seen these words on a t-shirt, on a coffee mug, or even on someone's skin as a tattoo.

But while it may seem totally romantic, Elizabeth has good reason to reject his offer. Darcy himself says that he has tried to deny his love for Elizabeth, and the narrator makes it clear that Darcy was dwelling on the inferiority of Elizabeth and her family.

So, um, the next time you're wooing a woman, we recommend not emphasizing how much of an unfavorable match she is. (Quoting Jane Austen, however, could be a good idea).

Pretentious Factor

If you were to drop this quote at a dinner party, would you get an in-unison "awww" or would everyone roll their eyes and never invite you back? Here it is, on a scale of 1-10.

Anything originally spoken by Mr. Darcy is a 10. The end.