Poor Felix Randal; How far from then forethought of, all thy more boisterous years, When thou at the random grim forge, powerful amidst peers, Didst fettle for the great grey drayhorse his bright and battering sandal!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Remembering a rough blacksmith's past strength while he nears death.
- In plain terms
- Thinking of Felix working hard in his younger years.
- What can you take from it?
- Respect the labor and life of others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who do you remember for their work?
- How does age change us?
Another view
The contrast between past strength and present frailty is heavy.
More from Gerard Manley Hopkins
Felix Randal the farrier, O he is dead then? my duty all ended, Who have watched his mould of man, big-boned and hardy-handsome Pining, pining, till time when …
Permalink to quote #43 Margaret, are you grieving Over Goldengrove unleaving?
Permalink to quote #45 When, when, Peace, will you, Peace? I'll not play hypocrite To own my heart: I yield you do come sometimes; but That piecemeal peace is poor peace. What pure p…
Permalink to quote #42
Related quotes
It's hard to believe a spirit could die Of such generous glow
Cecil Day LewisCecil Day Lewis quote #2 They grew in beauty side by side, They filled one home with glee: Their graves are severed far and wide By mount and stream and sea.
Felicia HemansFelicia Hemans quote #2 Some lie beneath the churchyard stone, And some before the speaker.
Winthrop Mackworth PraedWinthrop Mackworth Praed quote #3