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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 mellowed long — Even wondered at, because he dropped no sooner. Fate seemed 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…” quote by John Dryden
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““Of no distemper, of no blast he died, But fell like autumn fruit that mellowed long — Even wondered at, because he dropped no sooner. Fate seemed 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.””

John Dryden

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Life’s vigor wanes with time, yet some persist beyond expected limits, like a clock that keeps ticking.

In simple terms: Life ages, some endure longer.

Key Takeaway

Recognize and respect the limits of endurance.

Themes

mortality resilience time

Mood

melancholic contemplative

Type

poetic reflective

When to use this quote

  • elder care
  • career longevity
  • personal health
  • creative projects

Key Concepts

human condition fate literature

Questions to Reflect On

  • What signs indicate you’re nearing your own “clock” limit?
  • How can you balance perseverance with self‑care?
A Different Perspective

Longevity may mask underlying fatigue.

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