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But on they rould in heaps, and up the Trees Climbing, sat…

“But on they rould in heaps, and up the Trees Climbing, sat thicker then the snakie locks That curld MEGAERA: greedily they pluck'd The Frutage fair to sight, like that which grew Neer that bituminous Lake where SODOM flam'd; This more delusive, not the touch, but taste Deceav'd; they fondly…” quote by John Milton
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““  But on they rould in heaps, and up the Trees   Climbing, sat thicker then the snakie locks   That curld MEGAERA: greedily they pluck'd   The Frutage fair to sight, like that which grew   Neer that bituminous Lake where SODOM flam'd;   This more delusive, not the touch, but taste   Deceav'd; they fondly thinking to allay   Thir appetite with gust, instead of Fruit   Chewd bitter Ashes, which th' offended taste   VVith spattering noise rejected: oft they assayd,   Hunger and thirst constraining, drugd as oft,   VVith hatefullest disrelish writh'd thir jaws   VVith foot and cinders fill'd; so oft they fell   Into the same illusion, not as Man   Whom they triumph'd once lapst. Thus””

John Milton

About This Quote

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

The passage warns that desire for false pleasures leads to self‑destruction, as people chase deceptive temptations instead of true nourishment.

In simple terms: Chasing false delights harms us.

Key Takeaway

Seek genuine sustenance, avoid illusion.

Themes

desire illusion self‑destruction

Mood

cautionary reflective

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • spiritual crisis
  • personal growth
  • ethical decision‑making

Key Concepts

temptation false nourishment hubris

Questions to Reflect On

  • What false “fruit” are you pursuing?
  • How can you discern true nourishment?
A Different Perspective

The metaphor may over‑emphasize moral judgment, ignoring complex motivations.

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