And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully!…
““And the afternoon, the evening, sleeps so peacefully! Smoothed by long fingers, Asleep … tired … or it malingers, Stretched on on the floor, here beside you and me. Should I, after tea and cakes and ices, Have the strength to force the moment to its crisis? But though I have wept and fasted, wept and prayed, Though I have seen my head (grown slightly bald) brought in upon a platter, I am no prophet—and here’s no great matter; I have seen the moment of my greatness flicker, And I have seen the eternal Footman hold my coat, and snicker, And in short, I was afraid.””
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 reflects on fleeting peace, existential dread, and fear of confronting life's ultimate moments.
In simple terms: Fear and uncertainty accompany life's quiet moments.
Key Takeaway
Acknowledge fear and seek meaning.
Themes
existential
fear
reflection
loneliness
Mood
melancholic
introspective
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- late night contemplation
- creative writing
- personal crisis
Key Concepts
Mortality
meaning of life
inner turmoil
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the “eternal Footman” symbolize for you?
- How do you confront fear in daily life?
A Different Perspective
The poetic style may obscure practical insight.