A lamb appears a lion, and we fear each bush we see's a bear

A lamb appears a lion, and we fear each bush we see's a bear

Francis Quarles was a 17th-century English poet known for his religious and moralistic works. His poetry often explored themes of faith, fear, and the human condition. One of his most famous works, "Emblems," is a collection of poems and illustrations that use allegory and symbolism to convey deeper spiritual truths.

The line "A lamb appears a lion, and we fear each bush we see's a bear" from Quarles' work can be interpreted in various ways. On the surface, it speaks to the idea of perception and how our fears can distort reality. In the natural world, a lamb is a gentle and harmless creature, while a lion is a fierce and powerful predator. However, if we are consumed by fear, even the most innocent and benign things can appear threatening and dangerous.

This concept of fear distorting reality is a common theme in Quarles' work. He often explored the idea of how our anxieties and insecurities can warp our perceptions and lead us to see threats where there are none. In the context of faith, Quarles may be suggesting that our fears can prevent us from seeing the true nature of God and his love for us. Just as a lamb can appear as a lion when viewed through the lens of fear, so too can our understanding of God be clouded by our worries and doubts.

The second part of the line, "and we fear each bush we see's a bear," further emphasizes this idea of irrational fear. In the natural world, a bush is a common and harmless object, but if we are consumed by fear, even the most ordinary things can become sources of terror. Quarles may be cautioning against allowing our fears to control us and urging us to trust in God's protection and guidance.

Overall, this line from Quarles' work serves as a reminder to confront our fears and anxieties with faith and trust in God's providence. By recognizing the ways in which fear can distort our perceptions, we can strive to see the world through a clearer and more hopeful lens.