I had thought, seeing how bitter is that wind That shakes the shutter, to have brought to mind All those that manhood tried, or childhood loved Or boyish intellect approved, With some appropriate commentary on each; Until imagination brought A fitter welcome; but a thought Of that late death took all my heart for speech.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker prepares to honor past figures but is overcome by grief for a recent death.
- In plain terms
- He meant to praise great people but now cannot speak due to a recent loss.
- What can you take from it?
- Grief silences praise of the past.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does grief change your view of others?
- Can you honor past and present?
Another view
It assumes grief prevents all other reflection indefinitely.
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