Quote#Wisdom
We then, who are this new soul, know
Quote byJohn Donne · 1572–1631
Commonly attributed — not confirmed in an authoritative edition. Cited on Wikiquote to: Songs and Sonnets, The Ecstasy, line 45.
English (original)
We then, who are this new soul, know Of what we are composed and made, For the' atomies of which we grow Are souls, whom no change can invade. But oh alas, so long, so far, Our bodies why do we forbear? They're ours, though they're not we; we are The intelligences, they the spheres.
— John Donne
More from John Donne
So, of a lone unhaunted place possess’d, Did this soul’s second inn, built by the guest, This living buried man, this quiet mandrake, rest.
Great Destiny, the commissary of God.
And seeing the snail, which everywhere doth roam, Carrying his own house still, still is at home, Follow (for he is easy paced) this snail, Be thine own palace, or the world’s thy gaol.
Sir, more than kisses, letters mingle souls; For, thus friends absent speak.
I sing the progress of a deathless soul.
Nature’s great masterpiece, an elephant, The only harmless great thing.