Come to the sunset tree! The day is past and gone; The woodman's axe lies free, And the reaper's work is done.
Interpretation
The quote invites one to reflect on the passage of time and the peaceful conclusion of a day.
John Milton's quote evokes a serene imagery of the day's end, symbolized by the sunset tree, where the day's labor ceases and nature takes a moment to rest. It reflects on the tranquility that follows a busy day, encouraging individuals to pause, appreciate the beauty around them, and recognize the importance of both work and rest.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of taking breaks, one might say, 'As John Milton reminds us, come to the sunset tree and appreciate the conclusion of our daily efforts.'
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Were I a cloud I'd gather My skirts up in the air, And fly well know whither, And rest I well know where.
Nature in America has always been suspect, on the defensive, cannibalized by progress. In America, every specimen becomes a relic.
The tropical rain forests are a telling example. Once cut down, they rarely recover. Rainfall drops, deserts spread, the climate warms.
The spectacle of Nature is always new, for she is always renewing the spectators. Life is her most exquisite invention; and death is her expert contrivance to get plenty of life.
Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it.
I want us to know our world. If I lived in North Georgia on up through the Appalachians, I would be just as crazy about the mountain laurel as I am about [Texas] bluebonnets.
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.