Quote by Elizabeth Barrett Browning
This race is never grateful: from the first, One fills their cup at supper with pure wine, Which back they give at cross-time on a sponge, In bitter vinegar.
Summary
This quote portrays the narrators' view on the ungratefulness of humanity. They observe that people initially present themselves in a positive light but eventually reveal their true colors by reciprocating with negativity. The image of filling their cup with pure wine at supper suggests pleasant interactions, while the act of giving back bitterness on a sponge during challenging times symbolizes their unappreciative behavior. Overall, the quote evokes a sense of disillusionment and frustration towards the ingratitude that the narrators perceive in the human race.