O sun, to tell thee how I hate thy beams That bring to my remembrance from what state I fell, how glorious once above thy sphere.
Interpretation
The speaker expresses disdain for the sun's rays that remind him of his past glory and current fall from grace.
In this quote, John Milton personifies the sun, describing his loathing for its light because it serves as a painful reminder of his previous high status and the profound loss he has experienced. The imagery reflects a deep sense of nostalgia and regret, as the sun's beams not only illuminate but also highlight the contrast between the speaker's former grandeur and his current plight, suggesting a struggle with identity and the impacts of downfall.
In practice
During a literary discussion, one might quote this to illustrate the theme of loss in Milton's works.
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.
Life without idealism is empty indeed. We just hope or starve to death.
To sit and contemplate - to remember the faces of women without desire, to be pleased by the great deeds of men without envy, to be everything and everywhere in sympathy and yet content to remain where and what you are.
I donβt know whether this world has a meaning that transcends it. But I know that I cannot know that meaning and that it is impossible for me just now to know it.
Some of us who live in arid parts of the world think about water with a reverence others might find excessive.
The result of the voyage does not depend on the speed of the ship, but on whether or not it keeps a true course.
Mankind's role is to fulfil his heaven-sent purpose through a sincere heart that is in harmony with all creation and loves all things.
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