O crystal well! Oh that on Thy silvered surface Thou wouldest mirror forth at once Those eyes desired Which are outlined in my heart! ~ 12
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker asks a crystal well to reflect the eyes of the beloved that are already imagined in their heart.
- In plain terms
- Oh well, show me the eyes I already carry in my heart.
- What can you take from it?
- External signs are sought to confirm internal visions of love.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you see reflected in others?
- How do you know what you truly desire?
Another view
Relying on reflections can distract from the internal reality already held.
More from John of the Cross
Reveal Thy presence, And let the vision and Thy beauty kill me, Behold the malady Of love is incurable Except in Thy presence and before Thy face. ~ 11
Permalink to quote #7 My Beloved is the mountains, The solitary wooded valleys, The strange islands, The roaring torrents, The whisper of the amorous gales; The tranquil night At th…
Permalink to quote #9 A thousand graces diffusing He passed through the groves in haste, And merely regarding them As He passed Clothed them with His beauty. ~ 5
Permalink to quote #6
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