Blake contrasts the emotional demands of forgiving an enemy with those involved in forgiving a friend. Harm from an enemy may already be expected, while injury from a friend can violate trust, affection and assumptions of loyalty. The closer relationship can therefore make the offence feel more personal and difficult to release.

The statement also draws attention to the role of expectation in resentment. Friendship creates obligations and hopes that do not normally exist between enemies, so betrayal can affect not only the immediate relationship but also a person’s confidence in their own judgement and in others.

Within Jerusalem, forgiveness has a wider spiritual importance as a means of overcoming division and restoring human relationships. The quotation therefore recognises that forgiveness may be most demanding precisely where attachment and trust have been strongest.