Auguries-of-innocence Quote by William Blake
““A robin redbreast in a cage Puts all heaven in a rage. A dove-house fill'd with doves and pigeons Shudders hell thro' all its regions. A dog starv'd at his master's gate Predicts the ruin of the state. A horse misused upon the road Calls to heaven for human blood. Each outcry of the hunted hare A fibre from the brain does tear. A skylark wounded in the wing, A cherubim does cease to sing. The game-cock clipt and arm'd for fight Does the rising sun affright. Every wolf's and lion's howl Raises from hell a human soul.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Marriage of Heaven and Hell, 1790
The poem lists various animal and natural calamities as omens of societal decay and human suffering.
In simple terms: Natural signs warn of moral and social collapse.
Key Takeaway
Heed warnings from nature.
Themes
environment
morality
societal decay
symbolism
prophecy
Mood
poetic
cautionary
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- political leadership
- environmental policy
- community health
- ethical decision‑making
- cultural narratives
Key Concepts
Interconnectedness
responsibility
spirituality
Questions to Reflect On
- What modern events reflect these warnings?
- How do we act on symbolic signs?
A Different Perspective
Nature's signs can be ignored; interpretation varies.
