Do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame.
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.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote reflects on a woman's daily routine, illustrating the contrast between her former active social life and her present solitary existence.
In this excerpt from Alexander Pope's work, the poet captures the transitions in a woman's life from a vibrant social schedule filled with cultural and communal engagements to a serene but solitary daily routine marked by personal reflection and simple pleasures. This juxtaposition highlights the changes in her lifestyle and perhaps conveys a deeper commentary on the nature of solitude and the passage of time in relation to one's previously active life.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about the importance of adapting to life changes, this quote can emphasize how routines can evolve over time.
More from Alexander Pope
All quotes βWhat dire offence from am'rous causes springs, What mighty contests rise from trivial things.
Fair tresses man's imperial race ensnare; And beauty draws us with a single hair.
An honest man's the noblest work of God.
One thought of thee puts all the pomp to flight;_x000D_ _x000D_ Priests, tapers, temples, swim before my sight.
Who breaks a butterfly on a wheel?
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For the first time since her return, she felt pain, a violent pain, but it made her feel alive, because it was worth feeling.
I don't want to die an old lady.
Dear God," she prayed, "let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. Let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry...have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well dressed. Let me be sincere - be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost.