There may be in the cup A spider steep'd, and one may…
““There may be in the cup A spider steep'd, and one may drink, depart, And yet partake no venom, for his knowledge Is not infected: but if one present The abhorr'd ingredient to his eye, make known How he hath drunk, he cracks his gorge, his sides, With violent hefts. I have drunk, and seen the spider.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A person may unknowingly consume danger without realizing it, yet exposing that danger can cause harm.
In simple terms: Hidden danger can be harmful when revealed.
Key Takeaway
Be cautious about exposing hidden threats.
Themes
danger
knowledge
exposure
consequences
Mood
cautionary
thought‑provoking
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- medical advice
- risk assessment
- ethical dilemmas
- literary analysis
Key Concepts
metaphor
poetry
human perception
Questions to Reflect On
- When is it right to reveal hidden risks?
- How does knowledge affect our response to danger?
A Different Perspective
Revealing danger may cause panic or damage.