“ Except you are a true sexton, books are but dead bodies to you, and a library nothing but a catacomb! ”
George MacDonald, Lilith (1895). copy citation
| Author | George MacDonald |
|---|---|
| Source | Lilith |
| Topic | death books library |
| Date | 1895 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/1640/1640-h/1640-h.htm |
Context
“«You saw me do it!—But I am still librarian in your house, for I never was dismissed, and never gave up the office. Now I am librarian here as well.»
«But you have just told me you were sexton here!»
«So I am. It is much the same profession. Except you are a true sexton, books are but dead bodies to you, and a library nothing but a catacomb!»
«You bewilder me!»
«That's all right!»
A few moments he stood silent. The woman, moveless as a statue, stood silent also by the coffin-door.
«Upon occasion,» said the sexton at length, «it is more convenient to put one's bird-self in front.” source
«But you have just told me you were sexton here!»
«So I am. It is much the same profession. Except you are a true sexton, books are but dead bodies to you, and a library nothing but a catacomb!»
«You bewilder me!»
«That's all right!»
A few moments he stood silent. The woman, moveless as a statue, stood silent also by the coffin-door.
«Upon occasion,» said the sexton at length, «it is more convenient to put one's bird-self in front.” source
Meaning and analysis
