Grown old in love from seven till seven times seven, I oft have wished for Hell for ease from Heaven.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- After a long life of love, the speaker wishes for hell to ease the burden of heaven, expressing fatigue with perpetual bliss.
- In plain terms
- After endless love, even heaven feels heavy, and hell seems like a relief.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize that constant joy can become burdensome.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does joy become a burden?
- How can one find balance between pleasure and respite?
Another view
The statement mixes metaphorical extremes that may not translate to practical advice.
More from William Blake
The Angel that presided o'er my birth Said, 'Little creature, formed of joy and mirth, Go love without the help of any thing on earth.'
Permalink to quote #142 Poetry fettered fetters the human race. Nations are destroyed, or flourish, in proportion as their poetry, painting, and music are destroyed or flourish!
Permalink to quote #144 If you have formed a circle to go into, Go into it yourself and see how you would do.
Permalink to quote #141
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