And there the lion's ruddy eyes Shall flow with tears of gold, And pitying the tender cries, And walking round the fold, Saying: 'Wrath by his meekness, And by his health, sickness, Is driven away From our immortal day.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A lion weeps golden tears out of pity for the vulnerable, suggesting that compassion and health can overcome wrath and sickness.
- In plain terms
- A sad lion cries gold tears to show pity and drive away sickness.
- What can you take from it?
- Compassion has the power to heal and protect the weak.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What protects the vulnerable in society?
- How can strength show pity?
Another view
The imagery is highly abstract and may be difficult to interpret literally.
More from William Blake
The moon like a flower In heaven's high bower, With silent delight, Sits and smiles on the night.
Permalink to quote #46 'For washed in life's river, My bright mane forever Shall shine like the gold As Iguard o'er the fold.'
Permalink to quote #48 For Mercy has a human heart, Pity, a human face, And Love, the human form divine, And Peace, the human dress.
Permalink to quote #45
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