Quote by Robert Browning, Bishop Blougram
It's like those eerie stories nurses tell,Of how some actor on a stage played Death,With pasteboard crown, sham orb and tinselled dart,And called himself the monarch of the world;Then, going in the tire-room afterward,Because the play was done, to shift himself,Got touched upon the sleeve familiarly,The moment he had shut the closet door,By Death himself. Thus God might touch a PopeAt unawares, ask what his baubles mean,And whose part he presumed to play just now.Best be yourself, imperial, plain and true!
Summary
This quote suggests that people often act as if they are more powerful and significant than they truly are, much like an actor playing the role of Death on stage. This metaphor highlights the inherent vulnerability and insignificance of human beings. It conveys the idea that regardless of their titles or roles in society, individuals can be easily confronted by the truth of their mortality and limited power. Thus, it is best to be genuine, authentic, and humble, recognizing one's true place in the world.
Topics
Death
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