Edmund Waller Quotes

Powerful Edmund Waller for Daily Growth

About Edmund Waller

Edmund Waller (1606-1687), an English poet and politician, was born on February 3, 1606, in West Horsley, Surrey, England. He was the son of Sir Edward Waller, a prominent soldier during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and King James I. Edmund's early education was at Westminster School where he excelled in classical studies. Waller's literary career flourished under the patronage of William Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle, who helped him secure a position at court. His first published work, 'Epistles and Sonnets,' was released in 1645 during the English Civil War, showcasing his talent for satire and political commentary. Influenced by classical poets such as Horace, Ovid, and Virgil, Waller is best known for his ability to blend the style of ancient Rome with contemporary English subjects. One of his most famous poems, "Go, Lovely Rose," expresses the fleeting nature of life and beauty—a theme resonant in both classical and Renaissance poetry. During the Interregnum (1649-1660), when England was ruled by a military government after the execution of King Charles I, Waller served as a Member of Parliament for Surrey, advocating for the restoration of the monarchy. After the Restoration in 1660, he returned to royal favor and held various positions at court, eventually becoming Surveyor General of His Majesty's Woods and Forests under King Charles II. Waller died on December 29, 1687, leaving behind a significant body of work that remains influential in English poetry today. His writing encapsulates the spirit of the Renaissance while also reflecting the political climate of his time, cementing him as a prominent figure in English literature.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Best for ourselves we strive, best for our country let us die."

This quote emphasizes the dual nature of patriotism and self-interest in an individual. The speaker is saying that they will prioritize the wellbeing of their nation (best for their country) to the extent of sacrificing their own life, if necessary (let us die). It suggests a strong sense of duty, devotion, and love towards one's country, where personal interests take a back seat for the greater good. The quote underscores the idea that individual sacrifices can contribute significantly to the nation as a whole.

"Heaven doth its archer aim, and makes a long delay, To bring his arrow home, and often hits at last; One stroke of heaven is more than all the strokes of Fate."

This quote by Edmund Waller implies that divine intervention (heaven's "arrow") may not always manifest immediately, but its eventual impact is profound and enduring. The use of the word "often" suggests that while heaven's timing may be uncertain, it eventually achieves its purpose. Furthermore, Waller highlights that even a single instance of divine intervention (one stroke of heaven) can surpass all the cumulative effects of fate or circumstances (all the strokes of Fate). Essentially, he is conveying the idea that God's timing and power are superior to the transient nature of earthly events.

"No sun without his day, no summer without flowers."

This quote by Edmund Waller suggests that there is an inherent order and harmony in nature, where certain things are inevitable or predictable – just as the sun inevitably rises each day and summer brings forth flowers. It serves as a metaphor for life's inherent rhythm and predictability of good things following hardships, or positive outcomes arising from unfavorable situations.

"The greatest glory of man is to be fearless when it is time to be afraid."

Edmund Waller's quote emphasizes that true greatness in humanity lies in courage, particularly in the face of fear. It suggests that individuals who stand tall and act boldly in situations where fear is justified are exhibiting a level of strength, character, and resilience worthy of admiration. This quote encourages people to push past their fears when necessary, to make difficult decisions, take risks, or confront challenges, even if they are afraid, because these actions can lead to glory and self-realization.

"When Fortune favors us we are but her servants; when she disregards us, we are her masters."

This quote underscores the idea that success or good fortune is not a direct result of our control or power, but rather a blessing bestowed upon us. When things go well, we are merely fortunate recipients of fortune's favor. However, when fortune turns its back on us, it suggests our perceived mastery over our own lives and circumstances. The quote emphasizes the impermanence and unpredictability of fortune and encourages humility in both prosperity and hardship.

Give us enough but with a sparing hand.

- Edmund Waller

Enough, Give, Us, Sparing

Poets lose half the praise they should have got, Could it be known what they discreetly blot.

- Edmund Waller

Could, Half, Known, Blot

A narrow compass! and yet there Dwelt all that 's good, and all that 's fair; Give me but what this riband bound, Take all the rest the sun goes round.

- Edmund Waller

Rest, Give, Goes, Narrow

To love is to believe, to hope, to know; Tis an essay, a taste of Heaven below!

- Edmund Waller

Love, Taste, Below, Love Is

The lark that shuns on lofty boughs to build, Her humble nest, lies silent in the field.

- Edmund Waller

Humble, Silent, Her, Nest

Illustrious acts high raptures do infuse, And every conqueror creates a muse.

- Edmund Waller

High, Illustrious, Creates, Conqueror

Vexed sailors cursed the rain, for which poor shepherds prayed in vain.

- Edmund Waller

Rain, Which, Shepherds, Sailors

The seas are quiet when the winds give o'er; So calm are we when passions are no more!

- Edmund Waller

Calm, Give, Seas, Passions

The fear of hell, or aiming to be blest, savors too much of private interest.

- Edmund Waller

Interest, Private, Too, Aiming

And as pale sickness does invade, Your frailer part, the breaches made, In that fair lodging still more clear, Make the bright guest, your soul, appear.

- Edmund Waller

Made, Still, Invade, Pale

Others may use the ocean as their road; Only the English make it their abode.

- Edmund Waller

Ocean, Road, May, Abode

Poets that lasting marble seek Must come in Latin or in Greek.

- Edmund Waller

Greek, Marble, Must, Latin

Go, lovely rose! Tell her that wastes her time and me That now she knows, When I resemble her to thee, How sweet and fair she seems to be.

- Edmund Waller

Lovely, Thee, Wastes, Resemble

Tea does our fancy aid, Repress those vapours which the head invade, And keeps that palace of the soul serene.

- Edmund Waller

Fancy, Palace, Which, Keeps

Could we forbear dispute, and practise love, We should agree as angels do above.

- Edmund Waller

Love, Could, Dispute, Practise

Leaving the old, both worlds at once they view, That stand upon the threshold of the new.

- Edmund Waller

View, New, Worlds, Leaving

Circle are praised, not that abound, In largeness, but the exactly round.

- Edmund Waller

Circle, Round, Praised, Abound

All human things Of dearest value hang on slender strings.

- Edmund Waller

Strings, Hang, Dearest, Slender

So must the writer, whose productions should Take with the vulgar, be of vulgar mould.

- Edmund Waller

Vulgar, Should, Take, Productions

How small a part of time they share, That are so wondrous sweet and fair!

- Edmund Waller

Small, How, Part, Wondrous

Stronger by weakness, wiser men become.

- Edmund Waller

Men, Stronger, Wiser, Weakness

His love at once and dread instruct our thought; As man He suffer'd and as God He taught.

- Edmund Waller

Love, Thought, His, Dread

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