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How sweetly she looks! O, but there's a wrinkle in her…

“How sweetly she looks! O, but there's a wrinkle in her brow as deep as philosophy. - Anacreon, drink to my mistress' health, I'll pledge it. Stay, stay, there's a spider in the cup! No, 'tis but a grape-stone; swallow it, fear nothing, poet. So, so; lift higher.” quote by Thomas Middleton
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““How sweetly she looks! O, but there's a wrinkle in her brow as deep as philosophy. - Anacreon, drink to my mistress' health, I'll pledge it. Stay, stay, there's a spider in the cup! No, 'tis but a grape-stone; swallow it, fear nothing, poet. So, so; lift higher.””

Thomas Middleton

About This Quote

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

A poet admires beauty but notes a hidden flaw, then urges courage despite fear, ending with a call to elevate oneself.

In simple terms: Admire beauty, notice flaws, stay brave, aim higher.

Key Takeaway

Embrace both admiration and doubt, then rise.

Themes

beauty flaw courage aspiration

Mood

reflective hopeful

Type

literary motivational

When to use this quote

  • art critique
  • personal motivation
  • overcoming fear
  • creative inspiration

Key Concepts

Poetry philosophy self‑elevation

Questions to Reflect On

  • What hidden flaw do you ignore in admiration?
  • How can you turn fear into higher purpose?
A Different Perspective

The line about a spider may be literal, not metaphorical.

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