Meaning: The quote "Alas! they had been friends in youth; but whispering tongues can poison truth" is from the poem "The Picture, or The Lover's Resolution" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge. This line encapsulates the theme of betrayal and the destructive power of gossip and rumor.

The poem itself is a lament about the loss of innocence and the disillusionment that comes with the realization that friendships can be tainted by the spread of malicious words and falsehoods. The speaker expresses sorrow over the fact that two individuals who were once close friends in their youth have been torn apart by the insidious influence of "whispering tongues."

The phrase "whispering tongues" suggests the clandestine and secretive nature of the rumors and lies that have driven a wedge between the former friends. It conveys the idea that the harm caused by gossip is subtle and often goes unnoticed until it has already wrought its damage.

The use of the word "poison" in the line "whispering tongues can poison truth" is particularly evocative. It implies that the spread of untruths and rumors has a toxic effect on the genuine and honest nature of the friendship. The truth, like a poison, becomes tainted and corrupted by the malicious whispers, leading to a breakdown of trust and goodwill between the friends.

The quote also speaks to the broader theme of the fragility of human relationships and the ease with which they can be undermined by external forces. It reflects the universal experience of betrayal and the pain that comes with the realization that people we once trusted and cared for can be swayed by the words of others.

Coleridge, a prominent English poet and philosopher of the Romantic era, was known for his exploration of themes related to nature, human relationships, and the human condition. In this particular quote, he captures the emotional turmoil and sense of loss that accompanies the dissolution of a friendship due to the influence of gossip and deceit.

In summary, the quote "Alas! they had been friends in youth; but whispering tongues can poison truth" by Samuel Taylor Coleridge encapsulates the theme of betrayal and the destructive power of gossip and rumor. It serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the insidious nature of falsehoods that can erode trust and tarnish the truth.