Thursday, February 4, 2010

A new month brings hope

Reach me down my Tycho Brahe, I would know him when we meet,
When I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;
He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how
We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

Pray remember that I leave you all my theory complete,
Lacking only certain data for your adding, as is meet,
And remember men will scorn it, 'tis original and true,
And the obliquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,
You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,
What for us are all distractions of men's fellowship and smiles;
What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.

You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,
But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant's fate.
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

The Old Astronomer To His Pupil” by Sarah Williams



6 comments:

  1. thanks for your comment on my blog. i love your blog - you put up great posts, especially the quotes from the literary world.

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  2. Such depth, sincerity and passion. I like the line; He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how
    We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

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  3. oh, this is so beautiful <3 <3

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  4. Oh, I love poetry so much! And in this poem, especially love the last two lines!

    Thanks so much for your comment, dear, and for sharing your thoughts! Really hope you find the happiness you're looking for, and that your prep school doesn't get you down too much! ♥

    xoxo,
    S-C

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  5. You are so well read. I'm always shocked when I remember how old you are. I keep thinking you're already 20-something! :)

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