Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
Interpretation
The quote reflects the internal struggle between good and evil, highlighting the beauty of virtue and the torment of recognizing one's own failings.
In this quote, John Milton personifies the devil experiencing shame as he observes the inherent beauty of goodness and virtue. This moment of self-awareness unveils the torment of moral failure and reveals the deep desire for a purity that he cannot attain, suggesting that even the most malevolent can recognize the allure of goodness and feel regret for what they lack.
In practice
In a speech about morality, one could use this quote to emphasize the struggle between good and evil.
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.
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.
Bacchus, that first from out the purple grape_x000D_ _x000D_ Crush'd the sweet poison of misused wine.
The thing that brings people to wail at a wall, or face Mecca, or to go to church, is a search for that feeling of purity.
The purpose of money was to purchase one's freedom to pursue that which is useful and interesting.
Virtue means doing the right thing, in relation to the right person, at the right time, to the right extent, in the right manner, and for the right purpose. Thus, to give money away is quite a simple task, but for the act to be virtuous, the donor must give to the right person, for the right purpose, in the right amount, in the right manner, and at the right time.
Oh, yes. I'd do it all again; the spirit is willing yet; I feel the same desire to do the work but the flesh is weak. It's too bad that our bodies wear out while our interests are just as strong as ever.
Let the one among you who is without sin be the first to cast a stone.
Some like to believe it's the book that chooses the person.
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