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About this quote

What does it mean?
Bryant likens eyes to springs and lashes to herbs, suggesting they reveal heavenly water.
In plain terms
Eyes are clear springs; lashes are gentle plants revealing divine beauty.
What can you take from it?
Notice how simple details reflect deeper beauty.

Where it applies

  • poetic description
  • nature observation

Putting it to work

  • using natural metaphors
  • appreciating subtlety

Questions to consider

  • How do natural images enhance perception?
  • What does 'heaven' symbolize here?

Another view

The language is dense and may obscure meaning.

More from William Cullen Bryant

  1. He who, from zone to zone, Guides through the boundless sky thy certain flight, In the long way that I must tread alone, Will lead my steps aright.

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  2. Here the free spirit of mankind, at length, Throws its last fetters off; and who shall place A limit to the giant's unchained strength, Or curb his swiftness i…

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  3. Vainly the fowler's eye Might mark thy distant flight to do thee wrong, As, darkly painted on the crimson sky, Thy figure floats along.

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