Original artwork, not a still
The Devil's Thoughts · 1799
The Devil did grin, for his darling sin Is pride that apes humility.
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
The verse pictures the Devil enjoying pride that disguises itself as humility. Outward modesty becomes a mask for self-importance, making an apparent virtue serve a vice. Calling it the Devil's darling sin gives this counterfeit humility a sly and particularly troubling place in the moral picture.
Context reviewed
