Live and die Quote by Algernon Charles Swinburne
““Love, is it morning risen or night deceased That makes the mirth of this triumphant east? Is it bliss given or bitterness put by That makes most glad men's hearts at love's high feast? Grief smiles, joy weeps, that day should live and die. "Is it with soul's thirst or with body's drouth That summer yearns out sunward to the south, With all the flowers that when thy birth drew nigh Were molten in one rose to make thy mouth? O love, what care though day should live and die? "Is the sun glad of all love on earth, The spirit and sense and work of things and worth? Is the moon sad because the month must fly And bring her death that can but bring back birth? For all these things as day must live and die. "Love, is it day that makes thee thy delight Or thou that seest day made out of thy light? Love, as the sun and sea are thou and I, Sea without sun dark, sun without sea bright; The sun is one though day should live and die. "O which is elder, night or light, who knows? And life or love, which first of these twain grows? For life is born of love to wail and cry, And love is born of life to heal his woes, And light of night, that day should live and die. "O sun of heaven above the wordly sea, O very love, what light is this of thee! My sea of soul is deep as thou art high, But all thy light is shed through all of me, As love's through love, while day shall live and die.””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Love” by Algernon Charles Swinburne, 1865
The poem explores love as a cyclical force intertwined with day and night, life and death, suggesting both joy and sorrow arise from this eternal dance.
In simple terms: Love is a cycle of light and darkness, joy and grief.
Embrace love’s dual nature.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- relationships
- personal growth
- creative inspiration
- spiritual reflection
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance love’s joy and pain?
- What does “day” symbolize in your relationships?
Love can be overwhelming and may cause loss of self.