"We should manage our Thoughts in composing a Poem, as Shepherds do their Flowers in making a Garland; first select the Choicest, and then dispose them in the most proper places, where they give a Lusture to each other: Like the Feathers in Indian Crowns, which are so managed that every one reflects a part of its colour and gloss on the next."

— Pope, Alexander (1688-1744)


Place of Publication
Dublin
Date
1737, 1743
Metaphor
"We should manage our Thoughts in composing a Poem, as Shepherds do their Flowers in making a Garland; first select the Choicest, and then dispose them in the most proper places, where they give a Lusture to each other: Like the Feathers in Indian Crowns, which are so managed that every one reflects a part of its colour and gloss on the next."
Metaphor in Context
We should manage our Thoughts in composing a Poem, as Shepherds do their Flowers in making a Garland; first select the Choicest, and then dispose them in the most proper places, where they give a Lusture to each other: Like the Feathers in Indian Crowns, which are so managed that every one reflects a part of its colour and gloss on the next. (10)
Provenance
Reading
Citation
Text from Thoughts on Various Subjects. By Alexander Pope, Esq. (Dublin: Printed by and for M. Pepyat, book-seller, in Castle-Street, 1743). <Link to ESTC><Link to ECCO>

See also Thoughts on Various Subjects. By Alexander Pope, Esq. (Dublin: Printed by Sylvanus Pepyat, 1737). <Link to ESTC>
Date of Entry
03/09/2017

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