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About this quote

What does it mean?
Philip Sidney calls France a sweet enemy, suggesting a relationship that is both hostile and appealing or culturally rich.
In plain terms
France is a rival that is still enjoyable or fascinating.
What can you take from it?
Adversaries can still be admired for their qualities.

Where it applies

  • diplomatic discussions
  • historical analysis
  • travel reflections

Putting it to work

  • acknowledge positive traits in opponents
  • explore complex bilateral histories

Questions to consider

  • Can a foe be a friend?
  • What makes an enemy sweet?

Another view

The phrase is vague and could mean many things depending on context.

More from Philip Sidney

  1. Come sleep, O sleep, the certain knot of peace, The baiting place of wit, the balm of woe, The poor man's wealth, the prisoner's release, The indifferent judge…

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  2. There have been many most excellent poets that never versified, and now swarm many versifiers that need never answer to the name of poets.

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  3. But words came halting forth, wanting Invention's stay, Invention, Nature's child, fled step-dame Study's blows, And others' feet still seemed but strangers in…

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