But whate'er you are That in this desert inaccessible…
“But whate'er you are That in this desert inaccessible, Under the shade of melancholy boughs, Lose and neglect the creeping hours of time; If you have ever looked on better days, If ever been where bells knoll'd to church, If ever sat at any good man's feast, If ever from your eyelids wiped a tear, And know what 'tis to pity and be pitied, Let gentleness my strong enforcement be. . . .”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
In a desolate place, melancholy shadows cause neglect of time; recall better days, feel pity, and let gentleness guide.
In simple terms: Melancholy leads to neglect; remember kindness and be gentle.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate gentleness amid sorrow.
Themes
melancholy
reflection
compassion
Mood
somber
hopeful
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- personal loss
- mental health
- spiritual practice
Key Concepts
literature
emotional intelligence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does remembering better days help?
- What role does gentleness play in hardship?
A Different Perspective
May be too poetic for direct guidance.