Who ever comes to shroud me, do not harm Nor question much That subtle wreth of hair, which crowns my arm; The mystery, the sign you must not touch, For 'tis my outward soul, Viceroy to that, which then to heaven being gone, Will leave this to control, And keep these limbs, her provinces, from dissolution.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Donne asks not to disturb a lock of hair that represents the soul's memory after death.
- In plain terms
- Please do not touch this hair, which holds my soul's memory after I die.
- What can you take from it?
- Small objects can hold deep spiritual significance.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What objects hold your loved ones memories?
- How do you honor the dead?
Another view
The claim about hair controlling the body is metaphorical.
More from John Donne
To rage, to lust, to write to, to commend, All is the purlieu of the god of love.
Permalink to quote #37 A bracelet of bright hair about the bone.
Permalink to quote #39 I long to talk with some old lover's ghost, Who died before the god of love was born.
Permalink to quote #36
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