A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- He idealizes a small, contained space as holding all goodness, preferring it to the vast world.
- In plain terms
- This small ribbon holds everything good and fair.
- What can you take from it?
- Small things can hold everything that matters.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can happiness be contained?
- Is more always better?
Another view
It ignores the value found in the wider world.
More from Edmund Waller
That eagle's fate and mine are one, Which on the shaft that made him die Espied a feather of his own, Wherewith he wont to soar so high.
Permalink to quote #16 For all we know Of what the blessed do above Is, that they sing, and that they love.
Permalink to quote #18 The yielding marble of her snowy breast.
Permalink to quote #15
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