Visions of glory, spare my aching sight! Ye unborn ages, crowd not on my soul!
Thomas GrayRead
Ah, happy hills! ah, pleasing shade! Ah, fields beloved in vain! Where once my careless childhood stray'd, A stranger yet to pain! I feel the gales that from ye blow A momentary bliss bestow.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses a longing for the innocence and joy of childhood, highlighting the fleeting nature of happiness.
In this excerpt from Thomas Gray's work, the poet reflects on the beauty and simplicity of his childhood memories, invoking feelings of nostalgia for a time when life was carefree and devoid of pain. The imagery of 'happy hills' and 'pleasing shade' conveys a deep appreciation for nature's beauty and the transient moments of joy that it can bring, reminding the reader that such times are often bittersweet, as they are inevitably left behind.
Themes
NostalgiaChildhoodHappinessNatureBeauty
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be used in a speech about the importance of cherishing childhood memories.
More from Thomas Gray
All quotes βHere rests his head upon the lap of earth, A youth to fortune and to fame unknown: Fair Science frown'd not on his humble birth, And Melancholy mark'd him for her own.
Thomas GrayRead
Can honor's voice provoke the silent dust, or flattery soothe the dull, cold ear of death?
Thomas GrayRead
Far from the madding crowd's ignoble strife Their sober wishes never learn'd to stray; Along the cool sequester'd vale of life They kept the noiseless tenor of their way.
Thomas GrayRead
Any fool may write a most valuable book by chance, if he will only tell us what he heard and saw with veracity.
Thomas GrayRead
Sweet is the breath of vernal shower,/ The bee's collected treasure sweet,/ Sweet music's melting fall, but sweeter yet/ The still small voice of gratitude.
Thomas GrayRead
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