165 Quotes by Thomas Gray

Low on his funeral couch he lies!

On some fond breast the parting soul relies,/ Some pious drops the closing eye requires; / E'en from the tomb the voice of Nature cries, / E'en in our ashes live their wonted fires.

Large was his bounty, and his soul sincere, Heaven did a recompense as largely send: He gave to mis'ry (all he had) a tear, He gained from Heav'n ('t was all he wish'd) a friend.

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

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

From toil he wins his spirits light, From busy day the peaceful night; Rich, from the very want of wealth, In heaven's best treasures, peace and health.

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

For who, to dumb forgetfulness a prey, This pleasing anxious being e'er resign'd, Left the warm precincts of the cheerful day, Nor cast one longing ling'ring look behind?

Hands, that the rod of empire might have swayed, / Or waked to ecstasy the living lyre.