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So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, which moves To that mysterious realm,
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“So live, that when thy summons comes to join The innumerable caravan, which moves To that mysterious realm,”

William Cullen Bryant

Source
Thanatopsis
Date
1817
Meaning

Meaning of “So live, that when thy summons comes to…”

Bryant turns the poem’s long meditation on universal mortality into an appeal to live in a way that makes eventual death less degrading or fearful.

Source context

Where does it come from?

“Thanatopsis,” represented in Project Gutenberg #29700. These lines begin the poem’s closing counsel after its extended description of death and nature; the language is poetic and spiritual rather than clinical end-of-life guidance.

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Themes

Ideas connected with this quotation

Acceptance Quotes About Reality, Limits & ChangeCourage Quotes About Acting Despite FearDeepInspirational Quotes About Hope, Courage & PossibilityLifeMotivation For LifeThought-Provoking Quotes That Invite ReflectionDeathWisdom About Life
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Source details

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Source details

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