Ah, are you digging on my grave, My loved one? -- planting…
““Ah, are you digging on my grave, My loved one? -- planting rue?" -- "No: yesterday he went to wed One of the brightest wealth has bred. 'It cannot hurt her now,' he said, 'That I should not be true.'" "Then who is digging on my grave, My nearest dearest kin?" -- "Ah, no: they sit and think, 'What use! What good will planting flowers produce? No tendance of her mound can loose Her spirit from Death's gin.'" "But someone digs upon my grave? My enemy? -- prodding sly?" -- "Nay: when she heard you had passed the Gate That shuts on all flesh soon or late, She thought you no more worth her hate, And cares not where you lie. "Then, who is digging on my grave? Say -- since I have not guessed!" -- "O it is I, my mistress dear, Your little dog, who still lives near, And much I hope my movements here Have not disturbed your rest?" "Ah yes! You dig upon my grave... Why flashed it not to me That one true heart was left behind! What feeling do we ever find To equal among human kind A dog's fidelity!" "Mistress, I dug upon your grave To bury a bone, in case I should be hungry near this spot When passing on my daily trot. I am sorry, but I quite forgot It was your resting place.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker reflects on who tends to his grave, discovering it is his faithful dog, symbolizing loyalty beyond human relationships.
In simple terms: A dog’s loyalty outlasts human neglect.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and value steadfast loyalty.
Themes
loyalty
death
human-animal bond
neglect
memory
Mood
melancholic
reflective
Type
poetic
contemplative
When to use this quote
- grieving
- pet ownership
- legacy building
- reflecting on relationships
Key Concepts
faithfulness
mortality
companionship
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we honor unnoticed loyalty?
- What does a pet’s devotion teach us about love?
A Different Perspective
Human grief may overlook simple, sincere acts of devotion.