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The good are better made by ill, As odours crushed are sweeter still.
— Samuel Rogers · Jacqueline
Behind the line May contain spoilers.
Our reading
An editorial interpretation.
The verse claims that people of good character become better through suffering or misfortune, just as crushed fragrant things release a stronger scent. Hardship, in this view, does not diminish goodness but draws out its sweetest qualities.
Context reviewed