O, mickle is the powerful grace that lies In herbs…
““O, mickle is the powerful grace that lies In herbs, plants, stones, and their true qualities: For nought so vile that on the earth doth live But to the earth some special good doth give, Nor aught so good but strain’d from that fair use Revolts from true birth, stumbling on abuse: Virtue itself turns vice, being misapplied; And vice sometimes by action dignified. Within the infant rind of this small flower Poison hath residence and medicine power: For this, being smelt, with that part cheers each part; Being tasted, slays all senses with the heart. Two such opposed kings encamp them still In man as well as herbs, grace and rude will; And where the worser is predominant, Full soon the canker death eats up that plant.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Nature holds both healing and harmful powers; the same substance can be medicine or poison depending on use.
In simple terms: Nature can heal or harm.
Key Takeaway
Use wisely.
Themes
nature
duality
ethics
balance
Mood
cautious
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- herbal medicine
- environmental policy
- personal health decisions
Key Concepts
pharmacology
alchemy
morality
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you assess risk vs benefit?
- When does a cure become a toxin?
A Different Perspective
Misuse can cause harm despite good intentions.