Come to the sunset tree! The day is past and gone; The woodman's axe lies free, And the reaper's work is done.
Interpretation
The quote invites one to reflect on the passage of time and the peaceful conclusion of a day.
John Milton's quote evokes a serene imagery of the day's end, symbolized by the sunset tree, where the day's labor ceases and nature takes a moment to rest. It reflects on the tranquility that follows a busy day, encouraging individuals to pause, appreciate the beauty around them, and recognize the importance of both work and rest.
In practice
In a speech about the importance of taking breaks, one might say, 'As John Milton reminds us, come to the sunset tree and appreciate the conclusion of our daily efforts.'
They, looking back, all the eastern side beheld Of Paradise, so late their happy seat, Waved over by that flaming brand, the gate With dreadful faces thronged and fiery arms: Some natural tears they dropped, but wiped them soon; The world was all before them, where to choose Their place of rest, and Providence their guide; They, hand in hand, with wandering steps and slow, Through Eden took their solitary way.
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old, When all our fathers worshipp'd stocks and stones.
Abashed the devil stood and felt how awful goodness is and saw Virtue in her shape how lovely: and pined his loss
The end of all learning is to know God, and out of that knowledge to love and imitate Him.
Apt words have power to suage the tumors of a troubled mind.
Environmentalism is a way of seeing our place within the biosphere.
Let us leave a splendid legacy for our children...let us turn to them and say, this you inherit: guard it well, for it is far more precious than money...and once destroyed, nature's beauty cannot be repurchased at any price.
There's no palette as rich as a garden. And the intensity of it - I make this statement all the time: You can't plan nature; you court her.
Oh, earth, you're too wonderful for anybody to realize you.
My argument has always been that nature has a master plan pushing every species toward procreation and that it is our right and even obligation as rational human beings to defy nature's fascism. Nature herself is a mass murderer, making casual, cruel experiments and condemning 10,000 to die so that one more fit will live and thrive.
Nature forever puts a premium on reality. What is done for effect is seen to be done for effect; what is done for love is felt to be done for love. A man inspires affection and honor because he was not lying in wait for these.
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