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Comfort Quote by Robert Herrick

“When the artless doctor sees No one hope, but of his fees, And his skill runs on the lees; Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When his potion and his pill, Has, or none, or little skill, Meet for nothing, but to kill; Sweet Spirit, comfort me!” quote by Robert Herrick
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“When the artless doctor sees No one hope, but of his fees, And his skill runs on the lees; Sweet Spirit, comfort me! When his potion and his pill, Has, or none, or little skill, Meet for nothing, but to kill; Sweet Spirit, comfort me!”

Robert Herrick

About This Quote

Source Poem: “The Sweet Spirit” (published 1648)

A plea for divine comfort amid a doctor's limited skill and the futility of some medical practices.

In simple terms: Seeking spiritual solace when human help seems insufficient.

Key Takeaway

Turn to faith or inner strength in moments of doubt.

Themes

faith medicine human limitation hope spirituality

Mood

somber hopeful

Type

poetic spiritual ethical

When to use this quote

  • health crises
  • ethical dilemmas
  • personal loss
  • spiritual seeking

Key Concepts

theology medical ethics humility

Questions to Reflect On

  • What comforts you when expertise fails?
  • How do you balance faith and practical action?
A Different Perspective

Human skill may be inadequate; reliance on divine may not satisfy all.

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