The dragon is withered His bones are now crumbled; His…
““The dragon is withered His bones are now crumbled; His armour is shivered, His splendour is humbled! Though sword shall be rusted And throne and crown perish With strength that men trusted And wealth that they cherish, Here grass is still growing, And leaves are yet swinging, The white water flowing, And elves are yet singing Come! Tra-la-la-lally! Come back to the Valley! The stars are far brighter Than gems without measure, The moon is far whiter Than silver in treasure: The fire is more shining On hearth in the gloaming Than gold won by mining, So why go a-roaming? O! Tra-la-la-lally Come back to the Valley! O! Where are you going, So late in returning? The river is flowing, The stars are all burning! O! Wither so laden, So sad and so dreary? Here elf and elf-maiden Now welcome the weary With Tra-la-la-lally Come back to the Valley, Tra-la-la-lally Fa-la-la-lally Fa-la!””
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 laments the decline of power and wealth, urging a return to simple, natural life.
In simple terms: Power fades, nature endures.
Key Takeaway
Seek humility and simple joys.
Themes
humility
nature
transience
wealth
power
Mood
melancholic
hopeful
reflective
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- wandering travelers
- disillusioned leaders
- environmental activists
- spiritual seekers
- people facing loss
Key Concepts
impermanence
nostalgia
mythic longing
Questions to Reflect On
- What comforts do you cling to?
- How can you balance ambition with simplicity?
A Different Perspective
It romanticizes retreat, ignoring necessary change.