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But touch me, and no minister so sore. Whoe'er offends, at…

“But touch me, and no minister so sore. Whoe'er offends, at some unlucky time Slides into verse, and hitches in a rhyme, Sacred to ridicule his whole life long, And the sad burthen of some merry song.” quote by Alexander Pope
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“But touch me, and no minister so sore. Whoe'er offends, at some unlucky time Slides into verse, and hitches in a rhyme, Sacred to ridicule his whole life long, And the sad burthen of some merry song.”

Alexander Pope

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

A satirist warns that those who offend become subjects of ridicule and are forever bound to a mocking song.

In simple terms: Offenders become jokes forever.

Key Takeaway

Avoid actions that invite lasting mockery.

Themes

satire reputation humor

Mood

cynical reflective

Type

satirical literary

When to use this quote

  • political commentary
  • personal reputation
  • public speaking

Key Concepts

social criticism legacy public perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can one protect their reputation from satire?
  • Is it possible to recover after becoming a target?
A Different Perspective

Even satire can cement a negative image.

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