What does but soft mean?

"But soft" is an archaic phrase that means "But wait," "Hold on," or "Listen." It's often used to introduce a change of thought or a sudden realization, especially in dramatic or poetic contexts.

Here's how it's used:

* To interrupt a line of thought: "I was going to say... but soft, what is this?"

* To draw attention to something: "But soft, what light through yonder window breaks?"

* To create a pause or suspense: "But soft, I hear a noise... "

The phrase is most commonly associated with William Shakespeare, who used it frequently in his plays, such as in *Romeo and Juliet* ("But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?").

Although not common in modern speech, "but soft" still carries a sense of dramatic pause and intrigue.