Children Quote by John Donne
““Song Go and catch a falling star, Get with child a mandrake root, Tell me where all past years are, Or who cleft the devil's foot, Teach me to hear mermaids singing, Or to keep off envy's stinging, And find What wind Serves to advance an honest mind. If thou be'st born to strange sights, Things invisible to see, Ride ten thousand days and nights, Till age snow white hairs on thee, Thou, when thou return'st, wilt tell me, All strange wonders that befell thee, And swear, No where Lives a woman true, and fair. If thou find'st one, let me know, Such a pilgrimage were sweet; Yet do not, I would not go, Though at next door we might meet; Though she were true, when you met her, And last, till you write your letter, Yet she Will be False, ere I come, to two, or three. —John Donne, 1572–1631””
About This Quote
Source Poem: The Flea (attributed) or Miscellaneous Poetry, 1600s
The speaker asks for extraordinary experiences and truths, using fantastical imagery to explore love, truth, and the quest for authenticity.
In simple terms: He seeks wonder and truth through poetic quests.
Key Takeaway
Pursue authentic experiences and truth.
Themes
love
truth
quest
Mood
hopeful
curious
Type
poetic
inspirational
When to use this quote
- romantic courtship
- spiritual seeking
- creative writing
Key Concepts
poetic imagination
mythic symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- What “strange wonders” have you pursued?
- How do you discern true love from illusion?
A Different Perspective
The fantastical tone may obscure practical advice.
