Verses on Various Occasions · Chapter
LXXVII: Taormini explained
The poem reflects on the beauty of the world as a divine gift, urging the reader to store such visions in their heart to endure future trials, drawing a parallel to a saint strengthened by a vision of the third heaven.
What happens
The poem reflects on the beauty of the world as a divine gift, urging the reader to store such visions in their heart to endure future trials, drawing a parallel to a saint strengthened by a vision of the third heaven.
Themes in this chapter
Nature and the Divine
The poem marvels at the beauty of the world as a reflection of divine glory, suggesting that such sights are gifts from God.
Suffering and Humility
The speaker encourages storing memories of divine beauty to endure 'coming pains and fears,' linking present joy to future strength in suffering.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker addresses the reader, reflecting on the experience of traveling and encountering divine beauty.
- Angels
Referenced in the opening quote as meeting Jacob, symbolizing divine presence on a journey.
- Jacob
Mentioned in the epigraph as one who met Angels of God on his way.
- Paul
Alluded to as the Saint who was caught up to the third heaven and endured fourteen years of trials.
Key passages
“And feel an awe within thee rise, That sinful man should see Glories far worthier Seraph’s eyes Than to be shared by thee?”
You feel a reverent fear that a sinful human being is allowed to see beauties more fitting for angels than for yourself.
This expresses the theme of humility before divine creation.
“Store them in heart! thou shalt not faint ’Mid coming pains and fears, As the third heaven once nerved a Saint For fourteen trial-years.”
Keep these memories in your heart, and you will not weaken during future sufferings and anxieties, just as a vision of paradise strengthened a saint for fourteen years of trials.
This draws a direct parallel between storing beautiful memories and enduring hardship, referencing Saint Paul's experience.