Pernicious weed! whose scent the fair annoys, Unfriendly to society's chief joys, Thy worst effect is banishing for hours The sex whose presence civilizes ours.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A harmful influence irritates the pleasant, harms society's joys, and drives away the civilizing presence of the opposite sex.
- In plain terms
- A bad influence annoys good people, damages community joy, and pushes away women who bring civility.
- What can you take from it?
- Avoid toxic influences that disrupt harmony.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What influences affect your community?
- How do you recognize toxicity?
Another view
Not all influences are clearly harmful; some may be misunderstood.
More from William Cowper
A moral, sensible, and well-bred man Will not affront me, and no other can.
Permalink to quote #40 I cannot talk with civet in the room, A fine puss-gentleman that's all perfume.
Permalink to quote #42 He would not, with a peremptory tone, Assert the nose upon his face his own.
Permalink to quote #39
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