For nature beats in perfect tune, And rounds with rhyme her every rune, Whether she work in land or sea, Or hide underground her alchemy. Thou canst not wave thy staff in air, Or dip thy paddle in the lake, But it carves the bow of beauty there, And the ripples in rhymes the oar forsake.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Nature moves in perfect rhythm and beauty, whether above or below ground.
- In plain terms
- Nature creates beauty and rhythm everywhere it works.
- What can you take from it?
- Find beauty in nature's natural rhythms.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where do you see nature's rhythm?
- How does nature inspire you?
Another view
Nature also includes chaos and destruction not always rhythmic.
More from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Whoso walketh in solitude, And inhabiteth the wood, Choosing light, wave, rock, and bird, Before the money-loving herd, Into that forester shall pass From thes…
Permalink to quote #171 There are two laws discrete Not reconciled, Law for man, and law for thing.
Permalink to quote #173 Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why This charm is wasted on the earth and sky, Tell them, dear, that, if eyes were made for seeing, Then beauty is its own excus…
Permalink to quote #170
Related quotes
Ever charming, ever new, When will the landscape tire the view?
John DyerJohn Dyer quote #2 He will watch from dawn to gloom The lake-reflected sun illume The yellow bees in the ivy-bloom, Nor heed nor see, what things they be; But from these create h…
Percy Bysshe ShelleyPercy Bysshe Shelley quote #72 Rhodora! if the sages ask thee why This charm is wasted on the earth and sky, Tell them, dear, that, if eyes were made for seeing, Then beauty is its own excus…
Ralph Waldo EmersonRalph Waldo Emerson quote #170