The hungry sheep look up, and are not fed, But swoln with wind and the rank mist they draw, Rot inwardly, and foul contagion spread: Besides what the grim wolf with privy paw Daily devours apace, and nothing said; But that two-handed engine at the door Stands ready to smite once, and smite no more.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Neglected followers suffer internally while hidden predators destroy them unnoticed until final judgment.
- In plain terms
- Starving people suffer quietly until a final blow comes.
- What can you take from it?
- Neglect and hidden dangers lead to destruction.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who goes unfed in your community?
- What hidden dangers exist?
Another view
The metaphor is dense and requires context to fully grasp.
More from John Milton
Blind mouths! That scarce themselves know how to hold A sheep-hook.
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