Quote by Hilaire Belloc
For no one, in our long decline,So dusty, spiteful and divided,Had quite such pleasant friends as mine,Or loved them half as much as I did. stanza 3The library was most inviting:The books upon the crowded shelvesWere mainly of our private writing:We kept a school and taught ourselves. stanza 15From quiet homes and first beginning,Out to the undiscovered ends,Theres nothing worth the wear of winning,But laughter and the love of friends. stanza 22You do retain the song we set,And how it rises, trips and scans?You keep the sacred memory yet,Republicans? Republicans?stanza 36
Summary
This quote reflects the speaker's sentiment towards their friends during a time of decline and division. Despite the negative state of the world, the speaker finds solace and joy in the company of their friends. The reference to the library reflects the intellectual and creative pursuits they shared together, finding comfort and education within their own creations. The quote emphasizes the significance of friendship and the happiness found in laughter and companionship. It also suggests the enduring impact of shared memories and experiences, as seen in the final stanza where the speaker compares their bond to a song. The repeated mention of "Republicans" in the final stanza is likely a political association or an inside joke, adding an element of humor and camaraderie.
