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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker accepts mortality and finds comfort in shared affection and faith amidst life's imperfections. He prays for a shared death with his wife.
In plain terms
We should enjoy life and love even though things are wrong because we will die eventually.
What can you take from it?
Love and faith help cope with the inevitability of death.

Where it applies

  • marriage
  • end of life
  • comfort

Putting it to work

  • wedding vows
  • funeral readings
  • meditation

Questions to consider

  • How do we find meaning in imperfection?
  • What does shared mortality mean to you?

Another view

The sentiment assumes a specific religious or spiritual framework.

More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson

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  3. Where Claribel low-lieth The breezes pause and die, Letting the rose-leaves fall: But the solemn oak-tree sigheth, Thick-leaved, ambrosial, With an ancient mel…

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