I bear a basket lined with grass; I am so light, I am so…
““I bear a basket lined with grass; I am so light, I am so fair, That men must wonder as I pass And at the basket that I bear, Where in a newly-drawn green litter Sweet flowers I carry, -- sweets for bitter. Lilies I shew you, lilies none, None in Caesar’s gardens blow, -- And a quince in hand, -- not one Is set, because their buds not spring; Spring not, ‘cause world is wintering…””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet offers a basket of delicate, seemingly sweet gifts that are actually bitter, highlighting the contrast between appearance and reality, and the scarcity of true beauty in a harsh world.
In simple terms: Beauty may hide bitterness; true gifts are rare.
Key Takeaway
Beware appearances; seek deeper truth.
Themes
appearance
beauty
bitterness
scarcity
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
poetic
symbolic
When to use this quote
- gift-giving
- art criticism
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
symbolism
contrast
nature
Questions to Reflect On
- What do we value in gifts?
- Can beauty be deceptive?
A Different Perspective
The “sweet” gifts may mask harmful intentions.