“The soul's dark cottage, batter'd and decayed, Lets in new light, thro' chinks that time hath made.”
Quotes by Edmund Waller
“How small a part of time they share, That are so wondrous sweet and fair!”
“Poets may boast [as safely-Vain] Their work shall with the world remain; Both bound together, live, or die, The Verses and the Prophecy. But who can hope his Lines should long Last in a daily-changing Tongue? While they are new, Envy prevails, And as that dies, our Language fails. When Architects have done their part, The Matter may betray their Art; Time, if we use ill-chosen Stone, Soon brings a well-built Palace down. Poets that lasting Marble seek, Must carve in Latine or in Greek; We write in Sand; our Language grows, And like the Tide our work o'reflows. Chaucer his Sense can only boast, The glory of his Numbers lost, Years have defac'd his matchless strain; And yet he did not sing in vain; The Beauties which adorn'd that Age, The shining Subjects of his Rage, Hoping they should Immortal prove, Rewarded with success his Love. This was the generous Poet's scope, And all an English pen can hope To make the Fair approve his Flame, That can so far extend their Fame. Verse thus design'd has no ill Fate, If it arrive but at the Date Of fading Beauty, if it prove But as long-liv'd as present Love.”
Edmund WallerEdmund Waller was a notable poet and politician from Buckinghamshire, recognized for his contributions to English poetry during the 17th century. He began his political career as a Member of Parliamen...