His helmet now shall make a hive for bees, And lovers' songs be turned to holy psalms; A man-at-arms must now serve on his knees, And feed on prayers, which are old age's alms.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker describes soldiers turning from warriors to men of prayer and faith as they age.
- In plain terms
- Old soldiers pray instead of fight.
- What can you take from it?
- Age shifts focus from war to faith.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should warriors retire?
Another view
The transition described is idealized.
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