“ Past tears are present strength ”
George MacDonald, Phantastes (1858). copy citation
| Author | George MacDonald |
|---|---|
| Source | Phantastes |
| Topic | strength past tears |
| Date | 1858 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/325/325-h/325-h.htm |
Context
“Looking in it for some time, we at length saw reflected the place where we stood, and the old dame seated in her chair. Our forms were not reflected. But at the feet of the dame lay a young man, yourself, weeping.
«'Surely this youth will not serve our ends,' said I, 'for he weeps.'
«The old woman smiled. 'Past tears are present strength,' said she.
«'Oh!' said my brother, 'I saw you weep once over an eagle you shot.'
«'That was because it was so like you, brother,' I replied; 'but indeed, this youth may have better cause for tears than that—I was wrong.'” source
«'Surely this youth will not serve our ends,' said I, 'for he weeps.'
«The old woman smiled. 'Past tears are present strength,' said she.
«'Oh!' said my brother, 'I saw you weep once over an eagle you shot.'
«'That was because it was so like you, brother,' I replied; 'but indeed, this youth may have better cause for tears than that—I was wrong.'” source
Meaning and analysis
