That's the wise thrush; he sings each song twice over, Lest you should think he never could recapture The first fine careless rapture!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The thrush repeats his song to ensure the listener appreciates the initial beauty before it fades.
- In plain terms
- He sings twice so you don't forget how lovely the first time was.
- What can you take from it?
- Repetition can help preserve the memory of a perfect moment.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What moment do you wish you could hear again?
- Does repetition enhance or cheapen beauty?
Another view
Repeating something might sometimes diminish its original spontaneity.
More from Robert Browning
Oh, to be in England Now that April's there.
Permalink to quote #22 How good is man's life, the mere living! How fit to employ All the heart and the soul and the senses Forever in joy!
Permalink to quote #24 What's a man's age? He must hurry more, that's all; Cram in a day, what his youth took a year to hold:
Permalink to quote #21
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