Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape_x000D_ _x000D_ Crush'd the sweet poison of misused wine.
Interpretation
This quote warns about the dangers of excessive indulgence in wine and its effects.
John Milton's quote reflects on the dual nature of wine, symbolized by Bacchus, the Roman god of wine. While wine can bring joy and pleasure ('the sweet'), it can also lead to ruin and 'poison' when misused, highlighting the importance of moderation and the consequences of excess.
In practice
During a toast at a celebration, one might quote this to remind attendees to drink responsibly.
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Invention is the talent of youth, as judgment is of age.
Sometimes I think that it is enough to say that if we don't sit down and shut up once in a while we'll lose our minds even earlier than we had expected. Noise is an imposition on sanity, and we live in very noisy times.
Wait by the river long enough and the body of your enemy will float by you.
A vocabulary of truth and simplicity will be of service throughout your life.
You must not pity me because my sixtieth year finds me still astonished. To be astonished is one of the surest ways of not growing old too quickly.
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