The Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 1 and 2

Book 2 — PSYCHE[412:1]

Reading edition

PSYCHE[412:1]

The butterfly the ancient Grecians made The soul's fair emblem, and its only name—[412:2] 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.

FOOTNOTES:

LINENOTES:

Title] The Butterfly Amulet, 1833, 1877-81, 1893.

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Of earthly life. For in this fleshly frame MS. S. T. C.: Of earthly life! For, in this mortal frame Amulet, 1833, 1893.

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · First published with a prefatory note:—'The fact that in Greek Psyche is the common name for the soul, and the butterfly, is thus alluded to Note 2 · Psyche means both Butterfly and Soul. Amulet, 1833. In some instances the Symbolic and Onomastic are united as in Psyche = Anima et papilio.