Seraphs and saints with one great voice Welcomed that soul that knew not fear. Amazed to find it could rejoice, Hell raised a hoarse, half-human cheer.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Divine beings welcome a fearless soul, while Hell mocks it with a distorted cheer.
- In plain terms
- Heaven accepts the brave, but Hell tries to mimic joy poorly.
- What can you take from it?
- Fearlessness earns genuine welcome; mockery cannot hide its nature.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What does true fearlessness look like?
- How does mockery reveal weakness?
Another view
The poem's religious framework may alienate non-theistic readers.
More from John Davidson
Unwilling friend, let not your spite abate; Help me with scorn, and strengthen me with hate.
Permalink to quote #5 And the difficultest job a man can do, Is to come it brave and meek with thirty bob a week, And feel that that's the proper thing for you. It's a naked child a…
Permalink to quote #7 Farewell the hope that mocked, farewell despair That went before me still and made the pace. The earth is full of graves, and mine was there Before my life beg…
Permalink to quote #4
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