For a tear is an intellectual thing, And a sigh is the sword of an Angel King, And the bitter groan of the martyr's woe Is an arrow from the Almighty's bow.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Emotional expressions like tears and sighs are powerful spiritual forces from the divine.
- In plain terms
- Tears are intellectual, sighs are angelic swords, and groans are divine arrows.
- What can you take from it?
- Human emotions are sacred and powerful spiritual weapons.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is your grief powerful?
- How do you use your emotions?
Another view
Equating sighs with swords may not appeal to logical thinkers.
More from William Blake
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 To see a World in a Grain of Sand And a Heaven in a Wild Flower, Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand And Eternity in an hour.
Permalink to quote #125 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.
Permalink to quote #122
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