'Twas thine own genius gave the final blow, And help'd to plant the wound that laid thee low: So the struck eagle, stretch'd upon the plain, No more through rolling clouds to soar again, View'd his own feather on the fatal dart, And wing'd the shaft that quiver'd in his heart.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- One's own talent can be the cause of one's downfall, as the wounded eagle brings down the very feather that pierces it.
- In plain terms
- Your own gifts can lead to your ruin.
- What can you take from it?
- Beware of self‑destructive pride.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When have you let success blind you?
- How can you channel talent safely?
Another view
Not all talent leads to ruin; context matters.
More from Lord Byron
Perverts the Prophets and purloins the Psalms.
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