The Lake Isle O God, O Venus, O Mercury, patron of…
““ The Lake Isle O God, O Venus, O Mercury, patron of thieves, Give me in due time, I beseech you, a little tobacco-shop, With the little bright boxes piled up neatly upon the shelves And the loose fragrant cavendish and the shag, And the bright Virginia loose under the bright glass cases, And a pair of scales not too greasy, And the whores dropping in for a word or two in passing, For a flip word, and to tidy their hair a bit. O God, O Venus, O Mercury, patron of thieves, Lend me a little tobacco-shop, or install me in any profession Save this damn’d profession of writing, where one needs one’s brains all the time.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker pleads for a modest, honest livelihood and escape from the burdens of writing, invoking mythic patrons for support.
In simple terms: A writer asks for a simple job to avoid constant mental strain.
Key Takeaway
Find a humble work that sustains you.
Themes
writing
livelihood
mythology
humor
escape
Mood
wry
reflective
longing
Type
literary
personal
plea
When to use this quote
- shopkeeping
- freelance writing
- part‑time jobs
- creative burnout
- financial stability
Key Concepts
Patronage
creative struggle
mundane trade
Questions to Reflect On
- What simple work could relieve your creative pressure?
- How do you balance artistic ambition with practical needs?
A Different Perspective
The plea romanticizes theft and vice, which may not be realistic or ethical.