My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, _x000D_ _x000D_ Nor ought but love from thee, give recompence. _x000D_ _x000D_ Thy love is such I can no way repay, _x000D_ _x000D_ The heavens reward thee manifold I pray.
Anne BradstreetRead
O Time the fatal wrack of mortal things,_x000D_ That draws oblivion's curtains over kings;_x000D_ Their sumptuous monuments, men know them not,_x000D_ Their names without a record are forgot,_x000D_ Their parts, their ports, their pomps all laid in th' dust_x000D_ Nor wit nor gold, nor buildings scape time's rust;_x000D_ But he whose name is graved in the white stone_x000D_ Shall last and shine when all of these are gone.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote reflects on the inevitability of time's decay, suggesting that only one's legacy can endure beyond mortality.
Anne Bradstreet's quote contemplates the transient nature of human achievements and the eventual oblivion that time brings to all. Despite the grandeur of kings, monuments, and wealth, time reduces everything to dust. However, it emphasizes that true immortality lies in the lasting impact of one's name and legacy, which can outshine material wealth and status, ensuring a form of eternal remembrance.
Themes
TimeLegacyImmortalityDustOblivionNames
In practice
Example use cases
During a graduation speech to highlight the importance of leaving a meaningful legacy.
More from Anne Bradstreet
All quotes →If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.
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Iron till it be thoroughly heated is incapable to be wrought; so God sees good to cast some men into the furnace of affliction, and then beats them on His anvil into what frame He desires.
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Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge -- fitter to bruise than polish.
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That when we live no more, We may live ever
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To sing of Wars, of Captains, and of Kings/Of Cities founded, Common-wealths begun/For my mean Pen are too superior things.
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