The lily I condemned for thy hand, And buds of marjoram…
“The lily I condemned for thy hand, And buds of marjoram had stol'n thy hair: The roses fearfully on thorns did stand, One blushing shame, another white despair; A third, nor red nor white, had stol'n of both And to his robbery had annex'd thy breath; But, for his theft, in pride of all his growth A vengeful canker eat him up to death. More flowers I noted, yet I none could see But sweet or colour it had stol'n from thee.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker uses flower metaphors to describe jealousy, theft, and the destructive nature of envy.
In simple terms: Jealousy is likened to poisonous flowers that harm both giver and taker.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and curb envy before it consumes you.
Themes
jealousy
betrayal
nature
beauty
destruction
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
literary
dramatic
When to use this quote
- personal relationships
- court intrigue
- creative writing
- conflict resolution
Key Concepts
metaphor
symbolism
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- What does envy reveal about your values?
- How can you transform envy into motivation?
A Different Perspective
Envy can also inspire protective loyalty, not just ruin.