Empires dissolve and peoples disappear, Song passes not away.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- While empires and people vanish, song and art endure forever.
- In plain terms
- Civilizations end, but music and stories live on.
- What can you take from it?
- Art survives where political power fails.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What outlasts empires?
- Does art really never pass away?
Another view
It idealizes art while overlooking how physical destruction can erase it too.
More from William Watson
Deemest thou labor Only is earnest? Grave is all beauty, Solemn is joy.
Permalink to quote #8 In this world with starry dome, Floored with gemlike plains and seas, Shall I never feel at home, Never wholly be at ease?
Permalink to quote #10 Braying of arrogant brass, whimper of querulous reeds.
Permalink to quote #7
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