"The dead past has neither voice nor face, but it has a silence that is eloquent."
This quote by Lady Gregory suggests that although the past cannot speak or show itself, its influence is profoundly felt as a silent presence. The 'silence' here represents an eloquent expression of history's impact on our present and future, reminding us to learn from the past without being bound by it.
"What we want is the life more abundant; the full life, not the empty one."
This quote emphasizes a desire for living a meaningful, fulfilling, and rich life rather than a shallow or superficial existence. It suggests that seeking an "abundant" life is synonymous with striving for a complete and satisfying life experience, as opposed to one that lacks depth or substance. The implication is that we should aim for experiences that bring us joy, purpose, and personal growth, rather than simply pursuing material possessions or temporary pleasures.
"Ireland is the old sow that eats acorns and brings forth diamonds."
This quote, penned by Irish dramatist Lady Gregory, metaphorically describes Ireland as a land of humble beginnings yet full of hidden potential. By referring to Ireland as an "old sow," she emphasizes the country's history and rural character, with its connection to agriculture and simple way of life. The "eats acorns" part signifies the hardships and challenges faced by the Irish people over time. However, the transformation into a "diamond" suggests that despite these struggles, Ireland has the ability to produce greatness, to reveal extraordinary qualities within itself – much like a diamond hidden within an acorn. This quote encapsulates the essence of Ireland's rich history, resilient spirit, and immense cultural contributions.
"The most beautiful things in the world are the closest to ourselves: the most beautiful landmarks are those near us, which we have overlooked."
This quote by Lady Gregory underscores the importance of appreciating what's around us, rather than always seeking beauty or value far away. It suggests that sometimes, the most enchanting aspects of life lie hidden in our own surroundings – places we've grown accustomed to and tend to overlook. By rediscovering and cherishing these local landmarks, we can find true beauty within ourselves and our immediate environment.
"It is often the unplanned moments that bring the deepest joy."
This quote by Lady Gregory highlights the unexpected, spontaneous moments in life as sources of profound happiness. In essence, it suggests that the most memorable joys in life are not always planned or anticipated but rather, they emerge from unforeseen circumstances, making them all the more cherished and meaningful.
Once in my childhood I had been eager to learn Irish; I thought to get leave to take lessons from an old Scripture-reader who spent a part of his time in the parish of Killinane, teaching such scholars as he could find to read their own language in the hope that they might turn to the only book then being printed in Irish, the Bible.
- Lady Gregory
I hold that the beginning of modern Irish drama was in the winter of 1898, at a school feast at Coole, when Douglas Hyde and Miss Norma Borthwick acted in Irish in a Punch and Judy show; and the delighted children went back to tell their parents what grand curses 'An Craoibhin' had put on the baby and the policeman.
- Lady Gregory
It was on the first day of Beltaine, that is called now May Day, the Tuatha de Danaan came, and it was to the north-west of Connacht they landed. But the Firbolgs, the Men of the Bag, that were in Ireland before them, and that had come from the South, saw nothing but a mist, and it lying on the hills.
- Lady Gregory
It was among farmers and potato diggers and old men in workhouses and beggars at my own door that I found what was beyond these and yet farther beyond that drawingroom poet of my childhood in the expression of love, and grief, and the pain of parting, that are the disclosure of the individual soul.
- Lady Gregory
In my childhood there was every year at my old home, Roxborough, or, as it is called in Irish, Cregroostha, a great sheep-shearing that lasted many days. On the last evening there was always a dance for the shearers and their helpers, and two pipers used to sit on chairs placed on a corn-bin to make music for the dance.
- Lady Gregory
It is what the poets of Ireland used to be saying, that every brave man, good at fighting, and every man that could do great deeds and not be making much talk about them, was of the Sons of the Gael; and that every skilled man that had music and that did enchantments secretly, was of the Tuatha de Danaan.
- Lady Gregory
My husband was in the war of the Crimea. It is terrible the hardships he went through, to be two months without going into a house, under the snow in trenches. And no food to get, maybe a biscuit in the day. And there was enough food there, he said, to feed all Ireland; but bad management, they could not get it.
- Lady Gregory
It was at Inver Slane, to the north of Leinster, the sons of Gaedhal of the Shining Armour, the Very Gentle, that were called afterwards the Sons of the Gael, made their first attempt to land in Ireland to avenge Ith, one of their race that had come there one time and had met with his death.
- Lady Gregory
I was told in many places of Osgar's bravery and Goll's strength and Conan's bitter tongue, and the arguments of Oisin and Patrick. And I have often been given the story of Oisin's journey to Tir-nan-Og, the Country of the Young, that is, as I am told, a fine place and everything that is good is in it.
- Lady Gregory
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