By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung.
William CollinsRead
Beloved, till life can charm no more; And mourned, till Pity's self be dead.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote expresses profound love and sorrow, indicating that true emotional bonds linger even beyond life itself.
William Collins's quote reflects the depth of love and the sadness associated with losing someone dear. The phrase illustrates a commitment to cherish the memories and emotions associated with a loved one throughout life, and even in mourning, a love that is so deep it survives the loss and persists until one can no longer feel joy or empathy. It speaks to the endurance of love against the backdrop of loss and the inevitability of grief in such a profound connection.
Themes
LoveLossGriefMemoryEndurance
In practice
Example use cases
During a memorial service, as a reflection on the lasting impact of love.
More from William Collins
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It's forgiveness that makes us what we are. Without forgiveness, our species would've annihilated itself in endless retributions. Without forgiveness, there would be no history. Without that hope, there would be no art, for every work of art is in some way an act of forgiveness. Without that dream, there would be no love, for every act of love is in some way a promise to forgive. We live on because we can love, and we love because we can forgive.
Gregory David RobertsRead
She is coming, my own, my sweet;_x000D_ _x000D_ Were it ever so airy a tread,_x000D_ _x000D_ My heart would hear her and beat,_x000D_ _x000D_ Were it earth in an earthly bed;_x000D_ _x000D_ My dust would hear her and beat,_x000D_ _x000D_ Had I lain for a century dead;_x000D_ _x000D_ Would start and tremble under her feet,_x000D_ _x000D_ And blossom in purple and red.
Alfred Lord TennysonRead
Or had she always loved him? It's likely. Restricted as she was from speaking, she wanted him to kiss her. She wanted him to drag her hand across and pull her over. It didn't matter where. Her mouth, her neck, her cheek. Her skin was empty for it, waiting.
Markus ZusakRead
I met this girl when I was ten years old,_x000D_ _x000D_ And what I loved most she had so much soul._x000D_ _x000D_ She was old school, when I was just a shorty_x000D_ _x000D_ Never knew throughout my life she would be there for me.
CommonRead
If self is a location, so is love: Bearings taken, markings, cardinal points, Options, obstinacies, dug heels, and distance, Here and there and now and then, a stance.
Seamus HeaneyRead
Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.
Fyodor DostoevskyRead