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When first thy eyes unveil, give thy soul leave To do the…

“When first thy eyes unveil, give thy soul leave To do the like; our bodies but forerun The spirit's duty. True hearts spread and heave Unto their God, as flow'rs do to the sun. Give him thy first thoughts then; so shalt thou keep Him company all day, and in him sleep.” quote by Henry Vaughan
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“When first thy eyes unveil, give thy soul leave To do the like; our bodies but forerun The spirit's duty. True hearts spread and heave Unto their God, as flow'rs do to the sun. Give him thy first thoughts then; so shalt thou keep Him company all day, and in him sleep.”

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 urges aligning thoughts with the divine early, so the spirit guides actions throughout the day and night.

In simple terms: Start the day with divine focus.

Key Takeaway

Seek spiritual alignment daily.

Themes

spirituality devotion mindfulness

Mood

reverent contemplative

Type

poetic spiritual

When to use this quote

  • morning prayer
  • meditation
  • ethical decision making

Key Concepts

Divine guidance inner peace

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does early devotion shape daily behavior?
  • What non‑religious practices can replace this?
A Different Perspective

May be interpreted as religiously prescriptive; not all share same belief.

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