From morn To noon he fell, from noon to dewy eve,- A summer's day; and with the setting sun Dropp'd from the Zenith like a falling star.
Interpretation
This quote reflects on the transient nature of life, emphasizing how quickly time passes from day to day.
John Milton uses the imagery of a summer's day to illustrate the fleeting nature of human existence. The transition from morning to evening symbolizes the stages of life, suggesting that just as the day ends and the sun sets, so too do our lives come to an end, much like a star falling from the sky. This serves as a reminder of the inevitability of mortality and the importance of cherishing every moment.
In practice
This quote is perfect for a reflective speech about appreciating life.
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 mean maybe I was holding all the aces, but what was the game?
I walked all those miles, I learned all those lessons. It's as if my new life was the gift I got at the end of a long struggle.
They keep coming up new all the time - things to perplex you, you know. You settle one question and there's another right after. There are so many things to be thought over and decided when you're beginning to grow up. It keeps me busy all the time thinking them over and deciding what's right. It's a serious thing to grow up, isn't it, Marilla?
I have found life an enjoyable, enchanting, active, and sometime terrifying experience, and I've enjoyed it completely. A lament in one ear, maybe, but always a song in the other.
If you use that time where you're alone in ways that bring you joy and peace, then that solitude can have a really positive effect on your life.
Why should I be weary when every cell of my body is bursting with life?
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