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The invisible worm that flies in the night

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March 23, 2013, 16:04
Geoff
The invisible worm that flies in the night
The above is a phrase from Blake's "The Sick Rose." According to a source I recently read, in Blake's time "worm" meant "dragon," or other critter, not just food for robins and moles. Might Blake have been using "worm" metaphorically?


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
March 23, 2013, 21:07
Kalleh
Not sure. I just looked up "worm" in the OED, and in the 1700s one definition was "devil." What is the context?
March 24, 2013, 17:41
Geoff
The Sick Rose
BY WILLIAM BLAKE
O Rose thou art sick.
The invisible worm,
That flies in the night
In the howling storm:

Has found out thy bed
Of crimson joy:
And his dark secret love
Does thy life destroy.


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti
March 25, 2013, 02:43
arnie
In OE wurm or wyrm meant "serpent, dragon". According to The Online Etymology Dictionary
quote:
The ancient category of these was much more extensive than the modern, scientific, one and included serpents, scorpions, maggots, and the supposed causes of certain diseases.



Build a man a fire and he's warm for a day. Set a man on fire and he's warm for the rest of his life.
March 25, 2013, 18:24
Geoff
So this piece is an allegory? It never quite made sense to me before.


It is no measure of health to be well adjusted to a profoundly sick society. -J. Krishnamurti