“ The beauty of the earth is but a breath, and man is but a shadow. ”
Charles Dickens, Nicholas Nickleby (1839). copy citation
| Author | Charles Dickens |
|---|---|
| Source | Nicholas Nickleby |
| Topic | beauty shadow |
| Date | 1839 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/967/967-h/967-h.htm |
Context
“the birds poured forth their songs from the shady trees; the lark soared high above the waving corn; and the deep buzz of insects filled the air. Everything looked gay and smiling; but the holy man walked gloomily on, with his eyes bent upon the ground. The beauty of the earth is but a breath, and man is but a shadow. What sympathy should a holy preacher have with either?
‘With eyes bent upon the ground, then, or only raised enough to prevent his stumbling over such obstacles as lay in his way, the religious man moved slowly forward until he reached a small postern in the wall of the sisters’ orchard, through which he passed, closing it behind him.”
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