Bends to the grave with unperceived decay, While resignation gently slopes the way; And, all his prospects brightening to the last, His heaven commences ere the world be past.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A person declines quietly toward death, but feels their prospects brightening until the very end when heaven begins.
- In plain terms
- He got peaceful and hopeful as he died.
- What can you take from it?
- Peace and hope can accompany the end of life.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do we face death with hope?
- Can despair and hope exist together?
Another view
This view relies on belief in an afterlife.
More from Oliver Goldsmith
How happy he who crowns in shades like these, A youth of labour with an age of ease.
Permalink to quote #53 The watchdog's voice that bayed the whispering wind, And the loud laugh that spoke the vacant mind.
Permalink to quote #55 His best companions, innocence and health; And his best riches, ignorance of wealth.
Permalink to quote #52
Related quotes
O little town of Bethlehem, How still we see thee lie! Above thy deep and dreamless sleep The silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth The everlasti…
Phillips BrooksPhillips Brooks quote #1 And once again the scene was chang'd, New earth there seem'd to be, I saw the Holy City Beside the tideless sea; The light of God was on its streets, The gates…
Fred WeatherlyFred Weatherly quote #2 Cease, cease, wayward Mortal! I dare not unveil The shadows that float o'er Eternity's vale; Nought waits for the good but a spirit of Love, That will hail the…
Percy Bysshe ShelleyPercy Bysshe Shelley quote #2