"It is easy for men in your situation to advise, but it is difficult for one in mine to practise; wounded in body and mind, it is natural that I should strive to avoid the extremes of shame and punishment."

— Reeve, Clara (1729-1807)


Date
1777, 1780
Metaphor
"It is easy for men in your situation to advise, but it is difficult for one in mine to practise; wounded in body and mind, it is natural that I should strive to avoid the extremes of shame and punishment."
Metaphor in Context
Sir Philip then proposed to send for the Lord Fitz-Owen, who would see that all possible care was taken of his brother-in-law, and would assist him in settling his affairs. Lord Lovel was against it; he was peevish and uneasy, and desired to be left with only his own servants to attend him. Sir Philip quitted the room with a significant look; and the two Lords endeavoured to reconcile him to his situation. He interrupted them.--It is easy for men in your situation to advise, but it is difficult for one in mine to practise; wounded in body and mind, it is natural that I should strive to avoid the extremes of shame and punishment: I thank you for your kind offices, and beg I may be left with my own servants.--With them, and the surgeon, you shall, said Lord Graham; and they both retired.
(pp. 160-161)
Categories
Provenance
Searching in LION
Citation
At least 15 entries in ESTC (1777, 1778, 1780, 1784, 1787, 1789, 1790, 1791, 1794, 1797, 1795, 1799).

See The Old English Baron: A Gothic Story. By Clara Reeve. (London: Printed for Edward and Charles Dilly in the Poultry, 1778). <Link to ESTC>

First published as The Champion of Virtue. A Gothic Story. By the Editor of the Phoenix. a Translation of Barclay’s Argenis. (Colchester: Printed for the author, by W. Kfymer [sic], and sold by him; sold also by G. Robinson, London, 1777). <Link to ESTC>

Text from The Old English Baron: A Gothic Story. By Clara Reeve. 2nd edition (London: Printed for Charles Dilly, 1780). <Link to LION>
Date of Entry
08/02/2014

The Mind is a Metaphor is authored by Brad Pasanek, Assistant Professor of English, University of Virginia.