Quote#Nature
Whate'er of earth is form'd, to earth returns
Quote byWilliam Somervile · 1675–1742
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: The Chace (1735), Bk. IV, l. 1.
English (original)
Whate'er of earth is form'd, to earth returns, * * * * The soul Of man alone, that particle divine, Escapes the wreck of worlds, when all things fail.
— William Somervile
More from William Somervile
My hoarse-sounding horn Invites thee to the chase, the sport of kings; Image of war, without its guilt.
For the next inn he spurs amain, In haste alights, and skuds away, But time and tide for no man stay.
Prostrate on earth the bleeding warrior lies, And Isr'el's beauty on the mountains dies. How are the mighty fallen! Hush'd be my sorrow, gently fall my tears, Lest my sad tale should reach the alien's ears: Bid Fame be dumb, and tremble to …
He taught them how to live and how to die.
Fortune is like a widow won, And truckles to the bold alone.
Hail, happy Britain! highly favoured isle, And Heaven's peculiar care!