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I asked a thief to steal me a peach: He turned up his…

“I asked a thief to steal me a peach: He turned up his eyes. I asked a lithe lady to lie her down: Holy and meek, she cries. As soon as I went An angel came. He winked at the thief And smiled at the dame- And without one word spoke Had a peach from the tree, And 'twixt earnest and joke Enjoyed the…” quote by William Blake
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“I asked a thief to steal me a peach: He turned up his eyes. I asked a lithe lady to lie her down: Holy and meek, she cries. As soon as I went An angel came. He winked at the thief And smiled at the dame- And without one word spoke Had a peach from the tree, And 'twixt earnest and joke Enjoyed the lady.”

William Blake

About This Quote

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

The poem juxtaposes innocence and desire, showing how temptation and virtue intertwine in human experience.

In simple terms: Desire and virtue are intertwined.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the duality of impulses.

Themes

temptation virtue duality human nature

Mood

mysterious thoughtful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal temptation
  • creative inspiration
  • ethical dilemmas

Key Concepts

moral conflict spiritual insight poetic paradox

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the peach symbolize?
  • How do you reconcile desire with virtue?
A Different Perspective

Temptation can obscure moral clarity.

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