Only by the form, the pattern,
Can words or music reach
The stillness, as a Chinese jar still
Moves perpetually in its stillness.
T. S. Eliot
Four Quartets
Briunt Norton

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Shakespeare's Sonnet 43

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SONNET 43
When most I wink, then do mine eyes best see,
For all the day they view things unrespected;
But when I sleep, in dreams they look on thee,
And darkly bright are bright in dark directed.
Then thou, whose shadow shadows doth make bright,
How would thy shadow's form form happy show
To the clear day with thy much clearer light,
When to unseeing eyes thy shade shines so!
How would, I say, mine eyes be blessed made
By looking on thee in the living day,
When in dead night thy fair imperfect shade
Through heavy sleep on sightless eyes doth stay!
All days are nights to see till I see thee,
And nights bright days when dreams do show thee me.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

A Study of the Declaration of Independence

In language that rivals Shakespeare in beauty and power the first American congress declared itself a free and independent nation. The English language has seldom attained such efficiency, economy and potency while maintaining so much charm and grace. There are no extra words. And all of these words convey some of the most basic concepts regarding man and God and law. The universe of reason is boldly and plainly sketched in a few hundred words.