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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker tells Melancholy to leave, describing it as born from dark and hellish places.
In plain terms
Go away sadness that comes from dark and scary places.
What can you take from it?
Negative moods are sometimes seen as intrusive enemies.

Where it applies

  • mental health struggles
  • poetic expression
  • internal conflict

Putting it to work

  • identifying negative thoughts
  • writing about emotions
  • seeking light

Questions to consider

  • Is it helpful to fight sadness or understand it?
  • Where do you feel melancholy living in your mind?

Another view

Personifying sadness as an enemy might oversimplify mental health.

More from John Milton

  1. Peor and Baalim Forsake their temples dim.

    Permalink to quote #62
  2. Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee Jest, and youthful jollity, Quips and cranks and wanton wiles, Nods and becks and wreathed smiles.

    Permalink to quote #64
  3. From haunted spring and dale Edged with poplar pale The parting genius is with sighing sent.

    Permalink to quote #61

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