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They grew weary, and sat down on the rocky floor, for wait…

“They grew weary, and sat down on the rocky floor, for wait they would — indeed, wait they must. Each set his lamp by his knee, and watched it die. Slowly it sank, dulled, looked lazy and stupid. But ever as it sank and dulled, the image in his mind of the Lady of Light grew stronger and clearer…” quote by George MacDonald
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““They grew weary, and sat down on the rocky floor, for wait they would — indeed, wait they must. Each set his lamp by his knee, and watched it die. Slowly it sank, dulled, looked lazy and stupid. But ever as it sank and dulled, the image in his mind of the Lady of Light grew stronger and clearer. Together the two lamps panted and shuddered. First one, then the other went out, leaving for a moment a great red, evil-smelling snuff. Then all was the blackness of darkness up to their very hearts and everywhere around them. Was it? No. Far away — it looked miles away — shone one minute faint point of green light — where, who could tell? They only knew that it shone. It grew larger, and seemed to draw nearer, until at last, as they watched with speechless delight and expectation, it seemed once more within reach of an outstretched hand. Then it spread and melted away as before, and there were eyes — and a face — and a lovely form — and lo! the whole cavern blazing with lights innumerable, and gorgeous, yet soft and interfused — so blended, indeed, that the eye had to search and see in order to separate distinct spots of special colour.””

George MacDonald

About This Quote

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

In darkness, hope persists as a distant light grows brighter, symbolizing perseverance and the eventual emergence of clarity from uncertainty.

In simple terms: Hope persists in darkness.

Key Takeaway

Hold onto hope.

Themes

hope perseverance light

Mood

hopeful inspiring

Type

narrative poetic

When to use this quote

  • Crisis management
  • creative projects
  • personal setbacks
  • spiritual quests

Key Concepts

Symbolism inner journey faith

Questions to Reflect On

  • What light are you seeking?
  • How do you keep hope alive?
A Different Perspective

Hope can become passive if not acted upon.

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