But O the exceeding grace_x000D_ Of highest God, that loves his creatures so,_x000D_ And all his works with mercy doth embrace,_x000D_ That blessed angels, he sends to and fro,_x000D_ To serve to wicked man, to serve his wicked foe.
There is continual spring, and harvest there Continual, both meeting at one time: For both the boughs do laughing blossoms bear, And with fresh colours deck the wanton prime, And eke attonce the heavy trees they climb, Which seem to labour under their fruits load: The whiles the joyous birds make their pastime Amongst the shady leaves, their sweet above, And their true loves without suspicion tell abroad.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote describes the beauty and joy of nature in harmony, where spring and harvest coexist, symbolizing abundance and happiness.
Edmund Spenser's quote reflects a vivid portrayal of nature in all its glory, where the joyful aspects of spring, represented by blooming blossoms and singing birds, coincide with the fruitful abundance of harvest. This duality showcases the richness of life, emphasizing not just the beauty but also the labor and effort underlying nature's bounty. As the trees bear their fruits and birds express their love, the quote captures a moment of harmony and celebration in the natural world.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about environmental conservation, one might quote this to highlight the beauty of nature.
More from Edmund Spenser
All quotes →The noblest mind the best contentment has
What though the sea with waves continuall Doe eate the earth, it is no more at all ; Ne is the earth the lesse, or loseth ought : For whatsoever from one place doth fall Is with the tyde unto another brought : For there is nothing lost, that may be found if sought.
No daintie flowre or herbe that growes on grownd, No arborett with painted blossoms drest And smelling sweete, but there it might be fownd To bud out faire, and throwe her sweete smels al arownd.
I hate the day, because it lendeth light_x000D_ _x000D_ To see all things, but not my love to see.
For of the soule the bodie forme doth take; _x000D_ For the soule is forme, and doth the bodie make.
Similar quotes
Evolution did not intend trees to grow singly. Far more than ourselves they are social creatures, and no more natural as isolated specimens than man is as a marooned sailor or hermit.
The life of every river sings its own song, but in most the song is long marred by the discords of misuse.
If there is to be an ecologically sound society, it will have to come the grass roots up, not from the top down.
Beauty is composed of many things and never stands alone. It is part of horizons, blue in the distance, great primeval silences, knowledge of all things of the earth. It embodies the hopes and dreams of those who have gone before, including the spirit world; it is so fragile it can be destroyed by a sound or thought. It may be infinitesimally small or encompass the universe itself. It comes in a swift conception wherever nature has not been disturbed.
One thing I did was grow up as an ardent naturalist. I never grew out of my bug period.
Set wide the window. Let me drink the day.