So may'st thou live, till like ripe fruit thou drop Into thy mother's lap.
Interpretation
The quote suggests living a long life and eventually returning to a state of innocence or home at life's end.
In this quote by John Milton, the imagery of ripe fruit dropping into the mother's lap evokes a sense of returning to one's origins, emphasizing the natural cycle of life from birth to death. It reflects a longing for a peaceful and fulfilling life that culminates in a serene conclusion where one can find solace and comfort in the embrace of their beginnings, much like how fruit eventually falls from trees when it is ready to do so.
In practice
During a wedding speech, one might use this quote to reflect on the beauty of life and returning to origins.
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.
I'm the kind of person who would rather rock in my rocking chair when I'm old and regret a few things that I did than to sit there and regret that I never tried.
Gone are the living, but the dead remain, And not neglected; for a hand unseen, Scattering its bounty like a summer rain, Still keeps their graves and their remembrance green.
She went from opera, park, assembly, play,_x000D_ _x000D_ To morning walks, and prayers three hours a day._x000D_ _x000D_ To part her time 'twixt reading and bohea,_x000D_ _x000D_ To muse, and spill her solitary tea,_x000D_ _x000D_ Or o'er cold coffee trifle with the spoon,_x000D_ _x000D_ Count the slow clock, and dine exact at noon.
My bones are ringing the way sometimes people say their ears are ringing, I'm so tired.
The secret of life', he said, 'is to become very very good at somethin' that's very very 'ard to do.
Some things I loved have vanished. A great many others have been given to me
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