Anger Quote by William Walsh
““DISTRACTED with care For Phillis the fair, Since nothing could move her, Poor Damon, her lover, Resolves in despair No longer to languish Nor bear so much anguish; But, mad with his love, To a precipice goes, Where a leap from above Would soon finish his woes. When in rage he came there, Beholding how steep The sides did appear, And the bottom how deep; His torments projecting, And sadly reflecting That a lover forsaken A new love may get, But a neck when once broken can never be set: And that he could die Whenever he would, But that he could live But as long as he could: How grievous soever The torment might grow, He scorned to endeavour To finish it so; And bold, unconcerned At thoughts of the pain, He calmly returned To his cottage again.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: Unknown, likely 18th‑century English verse
A lover, driven by despair, contemplates suicide but ultimately chooses to return home, reflecting the conflict between impulsive despair and lingering attachment.
In simple terms: Despair leads to dark thoughts, yet love pulls him back.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge pain but seek support.
Themes
love
despair
mental health
resilience
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
dramatic
When to use this quote
- relationship crisis
- mental health crisis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
suicidal ideation
attachment
emotional conflict
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you cope with overwhelming sorrow?
- What supports can prevent impulsive actions?
A Different Perspective
The poem romanticizes despair without offering help.
