SWIFTLY walk o'er the western wave, Spirit of Night! Out…
““SWIFTLY walk o'er the western wave, Spirit of Night! Out of the misty eastern cave,-- Where, all the long and lone daylight, Thou wovest dreams of joy and fear Which make thee terrible and dear,-- Swift be thy flight! Wrap thy form in a mantle grey, Star-inwrought! Blind with thine hair the eyes of Day; Kiss her until she be wearied out. Then wander o'er city and sea and land, Touching all with thine opiate wand-- Come, long-sought! When I arose and saw the dawn, I sigh'd for thee; When light rode high, and the dew was gone, And noon lay heavy on flower and tree, And the weary Day turn'd to his rest, Lingering like an unloved guest, I sigh'd for thee. Thy brother Death came, and cried, 'Wouldst thou me?' Thy sweet child Sleep, the filmy-eyed, Murmur'd like a noontide bee, 'Shall I nestle near thy side? Wouldst thou me?'--And I replied, 'No, not thee!' Death will come when thou art dead, Soon, too soon-- Sleep will come when thou art fled. Of neither would I ask the boon I ask of thee, beloved Night-- Swift be thine approaching flight, Come soon, soon!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A lyrical ode to night, personifying it as a guiding, mysterious force amidst day’s turmoil.
In simple terms: Night guides and comforts amid chaos.
Key Takeaway
Seek solace in night’s calm.
Themes
night
guidance
duality
Mood
melancholic
inspirational
Type
poetic
philosophical
When to use this quote
- nighttime walks
- creative writing
- meditation
- artistic inspiration
Key Concepts
romanticism
personification
existential reflection
Questions to Reflect On
- What does night symbolize for you?
- How can darkness inspire creativity?
A Different Perspective
May romanticize darkness, ignoring practical concerns.