Quote#Nature
I do not ask that flowers should always spring
Quote byAdelaide Anne Procter · 1825–1864
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: A Chaplet of Verses (1862), "Per Pacem ad Lucem".
English (original)
I do not ask that flowers should always spring Beneath my feet I know too well the poison and the sting Of things too sweet.
— Adelaide Anne Procter
More from Adelaide Anne Procter
Shine, ye stars of heaven, On a world of pain! See old Time destroying All our hoarded gain; All our sweetest flowers, Every stately shrine,
Words are mighty, words are living: Serpents with their venomous stings, Or bright angels, crowding round us, With heaven's light upon their wings: Every word has its own spirit, True or false, that never dies;
Know, dear little one! our Father Will no gentle deed disdain: Love on the cold earth beginning Lives divine in Heaven again, While the angel hearts that beat there Still all tender thoughts retain.
Be strong to love, O Heart! Love knows not wrong; Didst thou love — creatures even, Life were not long; Didst thou love God in heaven, Thou wouldst be strong!
Be strong to hope, O Heart! Though day is bright, The stars can only shine In the dark night. Be strong, O Heart of mine, Look towards the light!
A little longer yet — a little longer, Shall violets bloom for thee, and sweet birds sing; And the lime branches where soft winds are blowing, Shall murmur the sweet promise of the Spring!