Th' adorning thee with so much art Is but a barb'rous skill; 'T is like the pois'ning of a dart, Too apt before to kill.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The author argues that excessive decoration or art can make something dangerous more harmful.
- In plain terms
- Adding too much art to something is like making a weapon deadlier.
- What can you take from it?
- Beauty can hide or increase danger.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can beauty ever be harmful?
- When does style overshadow substance?
Another view
It assumes art is inherently manipulative rather than expressive.
More from Abraham Cowley
Hope, of all ills that men endure, The only cheap and universal cure.
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Permalink to quote #13 A mighty pain to love it is, And 't is a pain that pain to miss; But of all pains, the greatest pain It is to love, but love in vain.
Permalink to quote #10
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