263 Quotes by Seamus Heaney

Islanders tooare for sculpting.

Nothing’s secure. Gold’s only lead When you stop to think.On your way up, show considerationTo the ones you meet on their way down.The Latin root of 'condescension' Means we all sink.

Nobody, Nobody can be sure they're always right. The ones who are fullest of themselves that way Are the emptiest vessels.

Don’t have the veins bulging in your biro.

A four foot box, a foot for every year.

To work, her dumb lunge says,is to move a certain mass...through a certain distance,is to pull your weight and feelexact and equal to it.Feel dragged upon. And buoyant.

Anyone with gumption and a sharp mind will take the measure of two things: what's said and what's done.

Meanwhile, the swordbegan to wilt into gory icicles, to slather and thaw. It was a wonderful thing, the way it all melted as ice melts when the Father eases the fetters off the frostand unravels the water-ropes. He who wields powerover time and tide: He is the true Lord.

And you, Tacitus,observe how I make my groveon an old crannogpiled by the fearful dead:a desolate peace.Our mother groundin sour with the bloodof her faithful,they lie garglingin her sacred heartas the legions starefrom the ramparts.Come back to this 'island of the ocean'where nothing will suffice.Read the inhumed facesof casualty and victim;report us fairly,how we slaughterfor the common goodand shave the headsof the notorious,how the goddess swallowsour love and terror.- Kinship