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Dear, harmless age! the short, swift span Where weeping…

“Dear, harmless age! the short, swift span Where weeping Virtue parts with man; Where love without lust dwells, and bends What way we please without self-ends. An age of mysteries! which he Must live that would God's face see Which angels guard, and with it play, Angels! which foul men drive away.” quote by Henry Vaughan
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“Dear, harmless age! the short, swift span Where weeping Virtue parts with man; Where love without lust dwells, and bends What way we please without self-ends. An age of mysteries! which he Must live that would God's face see Which angels guard, and with it play, Angels! which foul men drive away.”

Henry Vaughan

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 reflects on a fleeting, innocent age where virtue and love exist without selfish motives, and divine presence is felt amidst mystery.

In simple terms: A brief, pure time of virtue and love under divine watch.

Key Takeaway

Cherish moments of pure, selfless love.

Themes

virtue love divine transience innocence

Mood

contemplative hopeful

Type

poetic philosophical

When to use this quote

  • personal reflection
  • spiritual practice
  • creative writing
  • teaching ethics

Key Concepts

spirituality human nature theology

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we nurture selfless love today?
  • What does a divine presence mean in everyday life?
A Different Perspective

Such purity may be idealized and hard to sustain in reality.

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