Can't I another's face commend, And to her virtues be a friend, But instantly your forehead lowers, As if her merit lessen'd yours?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- It questions why someone gets angry when you praise another person's virtues.
- In plain terms
- Why do you get mad when I say nice things about someone else?
- What can you take from it?
- Don't resent others' merit.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Why do we envy praise of others?
- How do you handle jealousy?
Another view
It assumes the reaction is always insecurity rather than context.
More from Edward Moore
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