Skip to content

For, he (The Devil) observed, the issue of the great…

“For, he (The Devil) observed, the issue of the great battle of Good and Evil had been otherwise settled, as he would presently show him. "It wants but a few moments of night," he continued, "and over this interval of twilight, as you know, I have been given complete control. Look to the West.("The…” quote by Bret Harte
Download Open image
““For, he (The Devil) observed, the issue of the great battle of Good and Evil had been otherwise settled, as he would presently show him. "It wants but a few moments of night," he continued, "and over this interval of twilight, as you know, I have been given complete control. Look to the West.("The Legend of Monte Del Diablo")””

Bret Harte

About This Quote

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

The Devil claims he can win the cosmic battle by exploiting a brief darkness, implying that even a small lapse can tip the balance between good and evil.

In simple terms: Even a short darkness can give evil an advantage.

Key Takeaway

Guard against brief lapses of vigilance.

Themes

good vs evil power temptation vigilance

Mood

tense reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • nighttime security
  • personal ethics
  • decision making under pressure

Key Concepts

cosmic conflict morality control temporal advantage

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you maintain vigilance during brief setbacks?
  • What safeguards can prevent small lapses from becoming decisive?
A Different Perspective

Reliance on a single moment ignores broader systemic factors.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Bret Harte

Explore all 38 Bret Harte quotes

More Devil quotes

Browse all 4,283 Devil quotes