Of no distemper, of no blast he died, But fell like autumn…
“Of no distemper, of no blast he died, But fell like autumn fruit that mellow'd long,- Even wonder'd at, because he dropp'd no sooner. Fate seem'd to wind him up for fourscore years, Yet freshly ran he on ten winters more; Till like a clock worn out with eating time, The wheels of weary life at last stood still.”
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 life that seemed short but was extended, likening it to a clock that finally stops after a long run.
In simple terms: Life can feel longer than expected, yet it ends inevitably.
Key Takeaway
Cherish time while it lasts.
Themes
mortality
time
fate
Mood
reflective
melancholic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- elderly care
- career planning
- health prognosis
- personal reflection
Key Concepts
philosophy
literary analysis
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “worn out with eating time” suggest about aging?
- How do you reconcile unexpected longevity with mortality?
A Different Perspective
The poetic metaphor may not capture individual experiences of aging.