How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
The second was Ambition, pale of cheek,
And ever watchful with fatiguèd eye; (35-36)
Ambition is the second figure to appear to the speaker, and it's the only one that is given human characteristics (there's some more personification for ya). Ambition is pale and tired, but very observant. It never sleeps. Is Keats trying to say that ambition is exhausting?
Quote #2
And for that poor Ambition! it springs
From a man's little heart's short fever-fit; (43-44)
The speaker can't follow Ambition; it lives inside human hearts. It doesn't remain there, though. Keats says that it jumps out from time-to-time in a short burst. It's an intense burst, though. He also compares it to a fever, which can confuse and weaken the senses. That's not really a very positive way to look at ambition.
Quote #3
The last, whom I love more, the more of blame
Is heap'd upon her, maiden most unmeek,—
I knew to be my demon Poesy. (37-39)
Poetry temps the speaker the most, and therefore this figure annoys him the most. He doesn't want his talent to get in the way of his idleness, but he knows he's wasting this talent by not using it. And, since you can't get rid of the talent you were born with, he knows Poesy will continue to appear and tempt him. Thus, he calls Poesy his "demon."