Quote#Sadness
Sorrow treads heavily, and leaves behind
Quote byEmma Catherine Embury · 1806–1863
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: "The Dying Year", st. 6, in The Ladies' Garland, vol. 3, no. 50 (Harpers-Ferry, VA, Jan. 20, 1827) p. 200, col. 3. Revised in Sarah Josepha Hale (ed.) The Poet's Offering: for 1850 (Philadelphia: Grigg, Elliot & Co., 1850) p. 497:.
English (original)
Sorrow treads heavily, and leaves behind A deep impression e’en when she departs; While joy trips by, with steps light as the wind, And scarcely leaves a trace upon our hearts Of the faint footfalls, only this is sure — In this world nought, save suffering can endure.
— Emma Catherine Embury
More from Emma Catherine Embury
Like lamps in Eastern sepulchres, Amid my heart’s deep gloom, Affection sheds its holiest light Upon my husband’s tomb. And, as those lamps, if brought once more To upper air grow dim,
Oh never yet did Peace her chaplet twine, To lay upon base Mammon’s sordid shrine, Where Earth’s most precious things are bought and sold; Thrown on that pile, the "pearl of price" would be Despised, because unfit for merchantry.
The gathered rose, and the stolen heart, Can charm but for a day.
Weep not for those Who sink within the arms of death Ere yet the chilling wintry breath Of sorrow o'er them blows; But weep for them who here remain, The mournful heritors of pain,
The charm of eloquence, — the skill To wake each secret string, And from the bosom's chords at will Life's mournful music bring, — The o'ermastering strength of mind, which sway The haughty and the free,
Peace, sweet Peace, is always found In her eternal home on holy ground.