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Wanted to share a poem with you all by Sarah Williams

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posted on Jun, 29 2016 @ 01:35 AM
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I'm not much for poetry, but something about two lines in this one really got me. Then I read what I thought was the whole thing. Then I found the whole thing and cried. I've read books where the circumstances mov me to tears, but this time it was the language, all the different meanings from those two little lines, and weirdly... the beauty of reading them.

Those lines are usually attributed to Galileo, but it's from a poem by Sarah Williams titled "The Old Astronomer" (also known as "The Old Astronomer to His Pupil").

"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night"

Tycho Brahe born Tyge Ottesen Brahe was a Danish nobleman known for his accurate and comprehensive astronomical and planetary observations. Born in 1546.

It's not easy to find the full poem, so here:

Reach me down my Tycho Brahé, – I would know him when we meet,
When I share my later science, sitting humbly at his feet;
He may know the law of all things, yet be ignorant of how
We are working to completion, working on from then to now.

Pray remember that I leave you all my theory complete,
Lacking only certain data for your adding, as is meet,
And remember men will scorn it, ‘tis original and true,
And the obloquy of newness may fall bitterly on you.

But, my pupil, as my pupil you have learned the worth of scorn,
You have laughed with me at pity, we have joyed to be forlorn,
What for us are all distractions of men’s fellowship and wiles;
What for us the Goddess Pleasure with her meretricious smiles.

You may tell that German College that their honor comes too late,
But they must not waste repentance on the grizzly savant’s fate.
Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light;
I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night.

What, my boy, you are not weeping? You should save your eyes for sight;
You will need them, mine observer, yet for many another night.
I leave none but you, my pupil, unto whom my plans are known.
You “have none but me,” you murmur, and I “leave you quite alone”?

Well then, kiss me, – since my mother left her blessing on my brow,
There has been a something wanting in my nature until now;
I can dimly comprehend it, – that I might have been more kind,
Might have cherished you more wisely, as the one I leave behind.

I “have never failed in kindness”? No, we lived too high for strife,–
Calmest coldness was the error which has crept into our life;
But your spirit is untainted, I can dedicate you still
To the service of our science: you will further it? you will!

There are certain calculations I should like to make with you,
To be sure that your deductions will be logical and true;
And remember, “Patience, Patience,” is the watchword of a sage,
Not to-day nor yet to-morrow can complete a perfect age.

I have sown, like Tycho Brahé, that a greater man may reap;
But if none should do my reaping, 'twill disturb me in my sleep
So be careful and be faithful, though, like me, you leave no name;
See, my boy, that nothing turn you to the mere pursuit of fame.

I must say Good-bye, my pupil, for I cannot longer speak;
Draw the curtain back for Venus, ere my vision grows too weak:
It is strange the pearly planet should look red as fiery Mars,–
God will mercifully guide me on my way amongst the stars.
edit on 2920160620161 by Domo1 because: (no reason given)



posted on Jun, 29 2016 @ 01:41 AM
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a reply to: Domo1

That is bloody beautiful.

Who says those who have science in their minds have no poetry in their soul?

Clearly the poet here has both.



posted on Jun, 29 2016 @ 03:43 AM
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Gorgeous, these two lines really prod at me too.

"Though my soul may set in darkness, it will rise in perfect light; I have loved the stars too fondly to be fearful of the night"

The poem itself is very well put together and meaningful in my eyes. It has an interesting serene ambiance to it, that I quite enjoy. It brings me to a sort of peaceful, but very deep abyss in my head. It sends me down the "rabbit hole", if you know what I mean. A constant loop of endless, meaningful thoughts.



 
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