Thus, when the lamp that lighted The traveller at first goes out, He feels awhile benighted, And looks around in fear and doubt. But soon, the prospect clearing, By cloudless starlight on he treads, And thinks no lamp so cheering As that light which Heaven sheds.
As down in the sunless retreats of the ocean Sweet flowers are springing no mortal can see, So deep in my soul the still prayer of devotion, Unheard by the world, rises silent to Thee. As still to the star of its worship, though clouded, The needle points faithfully o'er the dim sea, So dark when I roam in this wintry world shrouded, The hope of my spirit turns trembling to Thee.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote expresses the deep, often unrecognized devotion and hope one holds within, despite the struggles of the external world.
Charles Lamb's quote portrays the idea that true devotion and hope can exist in the depths of one's soul, akin to hidden flowers in the ocean's depths. It emphasizes that even when the world around is dark and challenging, the inner longing for connection and faith remains steadfast and unwavering, much like a needle pointing toward a star. This introspective sentiment illustrates the importance of nurturing one's inner spirit and hopes, which may not be visible to others but are deeply felt.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
This quote can be shared during a meditation session to inspire deeper self-reflection.
More from Charles Lamb
All quotes →The most mortifying infirmity in human nature, to feel in ourselves, or to contemplate in another, is perhaps cowardice.
Oh, ever thus, from childhood's hour, I 've seen my fondest hopes decay; I never loved a tree or flower But 't was the first to fade away. I never nurs'd a dear gazelle, To glad me with its soft black eye, But when it came to know me well And love me, it was sure to die.
May my last breath be drawn through a pipe, and exhaled in a jest.
A pun is not bound by the laws which limit nicer wit. It is a pistol let off at the ear; not a feather to tickle the intellect.
All, all are gone, the old familiar faces.
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