---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When thieves come, I bark; when gallants…"
description: "\"When thieves come, I bark; when gallants, I am still - So perform both my master's and mistress's will.\" — Samuel Taylor Coleridge"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a6/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_bark_when-thieves-come-i-bark-when-gallants-i_1406301.jpg"
---

#  When thieves come, I bark; when gallants, I am still - So…

![“When thieves come, I bark; when gallants, I am still - So perform both my master's and mistress's will.” quote by Samuel Taylor Coleridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a6/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_bark_when-thieves-come-i-bark-when-gallants-i_1406301.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a6/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_bark_when-thieves-come-i-bark-when-gallants-i_1406301.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/1a6/samuel-taylor-coleridge-425_bark_when-thieves-come-i-bark-when-gallants-i_1406301.jpg)

> “When thieves come, I bark; when gallants, I am still - So perform both my master's and mistress's will.”

[Samuel Taylor Coleridge](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/samuel-taylor-coleridge/)

## 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 serves both noble and base masters, reflecting the duality of duty and desire.

**In simple terms:** Serve both noble and base urges.

Key Takeaway

Balance duty with personal desire.

Themes

duty duality service

Mood

thoughtful conflicted

Type

philosophical literary

When to use this quote

- leadership
- personal development
- conflict resolution

Key Concepts

ethics psychology

Questions to Reflect On

- Which duty feels most demanding?
- How do you reconcile opposing obligations?

A Different Perspective

Balancing conflicting duties can cause inner tension.

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