by Coleridge · Cluster: Self-Knowledge · Immortality · Self-Reliance
Abstract
Epigram on the Greek butterfly-emblem of the soul, contrasting the soul’s freedom with the reptile toil of mortal life. Themes of the soul, mortality and Greek myth.
Connections
Motifs: Animals Themes & Concepts: Self-Knowledge, Mortality, Immortality Forms & Genres: Epigram Historical References: Greek Mythology, Classical Antiquity
Testo integrale / Full text
The butterfly the ancient Grecians made
The soul’s fair emblem, and its only name —
But of the soul, escaped the slavish trade
Of mortal life! — For in this earthly frame
Ours is the reptile’s lot, much toil, much blame, 5
Manifold motions making little speed,
And to deform and kill the things whereon we feed.
1808.