I praise her (Fortune) while she lasts; if she shakes her…
“I praise her (Fortune) while she lasts; if she shakes her quick wings, I resign what she has given, and take refuge in my own virtue, and seek honest undowered Poverty.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The poet praises fleeting fortune, then vows to rely on personal virtue and accept honest poverty when fortune fades.
In simple terms: Rely on virtue, not fleeting luck.
Cultivate inner virtue over external wealth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- financial instability
- career setbacks
- personal growth
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the balance between virtue and material security?
- Can one truly thrive without external support?
Virtue alone may not meet basic survival needs.