Thy duty do? rejoined the voice, Ah, do it, do it, and rejoice; But shalt thou then, when all is done, Enjoy a love, embrace a beauty Like these, that may be seen and won In life, whose course will then be run; Or wilt thou be where there is none? I know not, I will do my duty.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker is told to do their duty and rejoice, accepting that the reward may not be earthly love but possibly something spiritual or unknown.
- In plain terms
- Do your duty regardless of whether you get love or a different reward.
- What can you take from it?
- Focus on duty regardless of the specific reward.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Is duty enough without reward?
- What is your highest good?
Another view
It dismisses the pain of sacrificing earthly desires.
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