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Our poor eyes were so enriched as to behold, and our low…

“Our poor eyes were so enriched as to behold, and our low hearts so exalted as to love, a maid who is such, that as the greatest thing the world can show is her beauty, so the least thing that may be praised in her is her beauty.” quote by Philip Sidney
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“Our poor eyes were so enriched as to behold, and our low hearts so exalted as to love, a maid who is such, that as the greatest thing the world can show is her beauty, so the least thing that may be praised in her is her beauty.”

Philip Sidney

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 praises a woman’s beauty as the highest marvel, yet notes that even her beauty is a modest thing to admire.

In simple terms: Beauty is the greatest wonder, but still modest.

Key Takeaway

Recognize beauty’s value without idolizing it.

Themes

beauty admiration humility love paradox

Mood

contemplative romantic

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • art criticism
  • personal reflection
  • spiritual contemplation

Key Concepts

aesthetic philosophy courtly love human perception

Questions to Reflect On

  • What truly defines worth beyond appearance?
  • Can love exist without physical attraction?
A Different Perspective

Beauty alone cannot fulfill deeper needs.

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