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Sweet is the rose, but grows upon a brere; Sweet is the…

“Sweet is the rose, but grows upon a brere; Sweet is the juniper, but sharp his bough; Sweet is the eglantine, but stiketh nere; Sweet is the firbloome, but its braunches rough; Sweet is the cypress, but its rynd is tough; Sweet is the nut, but bitter is his pill; Sweet is the broome-flowre, but…” quote by Edmund Spenser
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“Sweet is the rose, but grows upon a brere; Sweet is the juniper, but sharp his bough; Sweet is the eglantine, but stiketh nere; Sweet is the firbloome, but its braunches rough; Sweet is the cypress, but its rynd is tough; Sweet is the nut, but bitter is his pill; Sweet is the broome-flowre, but yet sowre enough; And sweet is moly, but his root is ill.”

Edmund Spenser

About This Quote

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

Contrasting sweetness with harshness highlights that outward appeal often hides inner difficulty.

In simple terms: Nice things can have hidden flaws.

Key Takeaway

Look beyond surface charm.

Themes

contrasts duality perception nature humanity

Mood

reflective cautious thoughtful

Type

literary advice philosophical

When to use this quote

  • garden appreciation
  • personal relationships
  • product evaluation
  • risk assessment
  • health decisions

Key Concepts

symbolism paradox literary device

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden challenges do you overlook in appealing situations?
  • How do you balance attraction with caution?
A Different Perspective

Not all sweet things are beneficial; some may cause harm.

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