Thomas Gray Quotes

The breezy call of incense-breathing morn.

E'en from the tomb the voice of Nature cries, E'en in our Ashes live their wonted Fires.

The curfew tolls the knell of parting day,/
The lowing herd wind slowly o'er the lea,/
The ploughman homeward plods his weary way,/
And leaves the world to darkness and to me./

The verse adorn again Fierce War, and faithful Love, And Truth severe, by fairy Fiction drest.

A FLOWER THAT SMILES TODAY , TOMORROW DIES. ALL THAT WE WISH TO STAY, TEMPTS AND THEN FILES

Brushing with hasty steps the dews away, To meet the sun upon the upland lawn.

While bright-eyed Science watches round.

Save that from yonder ivy-mantled tow'r The moping owl does to the moon complain.

Full many a gem of purest ray serene, The dark unfathomed caves of ocean bear: Full many a flower is born to blush unseen, And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

And many a holy text around she strews, That teach the rustic moralist to die.

Ruin seize thee, ruthless King! Confusion on thy banners wait, Though fanned by Conquest's crimson wing They mock the air with idle state.

Rich windows that exclude the light, And passages that lead to nothing.

Grim-visaged comfortless Despair.

Full many a flower is born to blush unseen,
And waste its sweetness on the desert air.

Can storied urn, or animated bust Back to its mansion call the fleeting breath? Can Honour's voice provoke the silent dust, Or Flatt'ry soothe the dull cold ear of Death?