Robert Blair
Robert Blair
Robert Blairwas a Scottish poet. His fame rests upon his poem The Grave, which, in a later printing was illustrated by William Blake...
NationalityScottish
ProfessionPoet
Date of Birth17 April 1699
environment home kid rigor structure trying
We're trying to get that kid who has all the gifts, but doesn't have the structure -- that home environment -- and give him the support, challenges, rigor and expectations that a boarding-school environment provides.
aloud bear courage whistling
The schoolboy, with his satchel in his hand,/ Whistling aloud to bear his courage up.
bed dead gentle maker
See yonder maker of the dead man's bed, The sexton, hoary-headed chronicle, Of hard, unmeaning face, down which ne'er stole A gentle tear.
smiled
Smiled like yon knot of cowslips on a cliff.
far good scorned short visits
The good he scorned Stalked off reluctant, like an ill-used ghost, Not to return; or if it did, in visits Like those of angels, short and far between.
men hands speaks-out
But if there be an hereafter,And that there is, conscience, uninfluenc'dAnd suffer'd to speak out, tells every man,Then must it be an awful thing to die;More horrid yet to die by one's own hand.
real heart passion
That discipline which corrects the eagerness of worldly passions, which fortifies the heart with virtuous principles, which enlightens the mind with useful knowledge, and furnishes to it matter of enjoyment from within itself, is of more consequence to real felicity than all the provisions which we can make of the goods of fortune.
numbers giving long
Our time is fixed, and all our days are number'd; How long, how short, we know not:—this we know, Duty requires we calmly wait the summons, Nor dare to stir till Heaven shall give permission.
joy remembrance departed
Of joys departed, not to return, how painful the remembrance
courage bears whistling
Whistling aloud to bear his courage up.
stupid arrows guilt
How blunt are all the arrows of thy quiver in comparison with those of guilt.
men giving mind
Industry is not only the instrument of improvement, but the foundation of pleasure. He who is a stranger to it may possess, but cannot enjoy, for it is labor only which gives relish to pleasure. It is the indispensable condition of possessing a sound mind in a sound body, and it is the appointed vehicle of every good to man.
fear men firmness
The grave, dread thing! Men shiver when thou'rt named: Nature appalled, Shakes off her wonted firmness.
angel return ghost
The good he scorn'd Stalk'd off reluctant, like an ill-us'd ghost, Not to return; or if it did, its visits Like those of angels, short, and far between.