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So passeth, in the passing of a day, Of mortal life, the…

“So passeth, in the passing of a day, Of mortal life, the leaf, the bud, the flower; No more doth flourish after first decay, That erst was sought to deck both bed and bower Of many a lady and many a paramour. Gather therefore the rose whilst yet in prime, For soon comes age that will her pride…” quote by Edmund Spenser
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“So passeth, in the passing of a day, Of mortal life, the leaf, the bud, the flower; No more doth flourish after first decay, That erst was sought to deck both bed and bower Of many a lady and many a paramour. Gather therefore the rose whilst yet in prime, For soon comes age that will her pride deflower. Gather the rose of love whilst yet in time, Whilst loving thou mayst loved be with equal crime.”

Edmund Spenser

About This Quote

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

Life is fleeting; beauty and love must be seized before they fade.

In simple terms: Seize love and beauty before they with.

Key Takeaway

Enjoy love while it lasts.

Themes

mortality beauty love urgency

Mood

reflective melancholic

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • courtship
  • celebrations
  • personal relationships
  • artistic inspiration

Key Concepts

carpe diem impermanence romanticism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you prioritize fleeting moments?
  • What does "gather the rose" mean to you?
A Different Perspective

Time inevitably erodes all, making urgency insufficient for lasting fulfillment.

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