There is a smile of love, And there is a smile of deceit, And there is a smile of smiles In which these two smiles meet.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A single smile can contain both love and deceit, merging two opposing intentions.
- In plain terms
- Love and deceit can meet in the same smile.
- What can you take from it?
- Expressions can hide contradictory intentions simultaneously.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can you tell a smile of deceit from love?
- What do your smiles hide?
Another view
Not all smiles conceal deceit; many are genuine.
More from William Blake
Terror in the house does roar, But Pity stands before the door.
Permalink to quote #121 This cabinet is formed of gold And pearl and crystal shining bright, And within it opens into a world And a little lovely moony night.
Permalink to quote #123 Mock on, mock on, Voltaire, Rousseau. Mock on, mock on-'tis all in vain! You throw the sand against the wind, And the wind blows it back again.
Permalink to quote #120
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