Skip to content

The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth The…

“The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover, Wanting the scythe, all uncorrected, rank, Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems But hateful docks, rough thistles, kecksies, burrs, Losing both beauty and utility.” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
“The even mead, that erst brought sweetly forth The freckled cowslip, burnet, and green clover, Wanting the scythe, all uncorrected, rank, Conceives by idleness, and nothing teems But hateful docks, rough thistles, kecksies, burrs, Losing both beauty and utility.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

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

Neglect leads to overgrowth of weeds and loss of utility; the poem warns against idleness that spoils productive land.

In simple terms: Idleness breeds weeds, destroys utility

Key Takeaway

Neglect harms productivity

Themes

idleness nature metaphor productivity decay

Mood

melancholy reflection

Type

poetic didactic

When to use this quote

  • gardening
  • project management

Key Concepts

environmental stewardship work ethic

Practical Applications

  • eco‑education
  • productivity workshops

Questions to Reflect On

  • What modern tasks reflect this neglect?
  • How can we prevent idleness from eroding value?
A Different Perspective

null

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,604 William Shakespeare quotes

More Burrs quotes

Browse all 29 Burrs quotes