When the Creator banished from his sight Frail man to dark…
““When the Creator banished from his sight Frail man to dark mortality's abode, And granted him a late return to light, Only by treading reason's arduous road,— When each immortal turned his face away, She, the compassionate, alone Took up her dwelling in that house of clay, With the deserted, banished one. With drooping wing she hovers here Around her darling, near the senses' land, And on his prison-walls so drear Elysium paints with fond deceptive hand. While soft humanity still lay at rest, Within her tender arms extended, No flame was stirred by bigots' murderous zest, No guiltless blood on high ascended. The heart that she in gentle fetters binds, Views duty's slavish escort scornfully; Her path of light, though fairer far it winds, Sinks in the sun-track of morality. Those who in her chaste service still remain, No grovelling thought can tempt, no fate affright; The spiritual life, so free from stain, Freedom's sweet birthright, they receive again, Under the mystic sway of holy might.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poem portrays a compassionate, divine figure who embraces humanity’s frailty and suffering, guiding souls toward moral freedom despite oppression and mortality.
In simple terms: Compassionate divine guide amid human frailty.
Key Takeaway
Compassion transcends mortality and oppression.
Themes
compassion
mortality
freedom
spirituality
morality
divine guidance
Mood
hopeful
solemn
reverent
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- contemplating suffering
- seeking moral guidance
- facing oppression
- reflecting on mortality
Key Concepts
human frailty
divine compassion
moral freedom
spiritual redemption
Practical Applications
- theological reflection
- ethical counseling
Questions to Reflect On
- How does compassion reshape our understanding of mortality?
- In what ways can moral freedom be pursued amid suffering?