Skip to content

If truth in hearts that perish Could move the powers on…

“If truth in hearts that perish Could move the powers on high, I think the love I bear you Should make you not to die. Sure, sure, if steadfast meaning, If single thought could save, The world might end to-morrow, You should not see the grave. This long and sure-set liking, This boundless will to…” quote by A.E. Housman
Download Open image
““If truth in hearts that perish Could move the powers on high, I think the love I bear you Should make you not to die. Sure, sure, if steadfast meaning, If single thought could save, The world might end to-morrow, You should not see the grave. This long and sure-set liking, This boundless will to please, -Oh, you should live for ever If there were help in these. But now, since all is idle, To this lost heart be kind, Ere to a town you journey Where friends are ill to find.””

A.E. Housman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The speaker pleads that love and steadfastness can defy death, urging kindness and perseverance despite hopelessness.

In simple terms: Love and resolve may overcome death.

Key Takeaway

Hold onto love and purpose.

Themes

love mortality perseverance hope kindness

Mood

melancholic reflective

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • grieving
  • caregiving
  • personal crisis
  • supporting ill friends

Key Concepts

Existentialism romanticism humanism

Questions to Reflect On

  • Can love truly change fate?
  • How do we act when hope feels futile?
A Different Perspective

Love alone cannot prevent inevitable loss.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by A.E. Housman

Explore all 54 A.E. Housman quotes

More Love quotes

Browse all 233,035 Love quotes