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About this quote

What does it mean?
The river flows endlessly through nature before sinking into an endless sea, where ancient voices predict conflict.
In plain terms
Nature's power moves unseen and leads to mysterious, prophetic warnings.
What can you take from it?
Nature hides deep secrets and warnings within its movements.

Where it applies

  • reading poetry
  • studying nature
  • reflecting on history

Putting it to work

  • poetry analysis
  • creative writing
  • nature meditation

Questions to consider

  • What ancient warnings do you hear in nature?
  • How does water symbolize change?

Another view

The imagery is highly abstract and may lack clear narrative direction.

More from Samuel Taylor Coleridge

  1. Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail, Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher's flail : And 'mid these dancing rock…

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  2. The shadow of the dome of pleasure Floated midway on the waves; Where was heard the mingled measure From the fountain and the caves.

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  3. But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover! A savage place! as holy and enchanted As e'er beneath a waning moon …

    Permalink to quote #79

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