Quotes With Meaning
The yard was a little centre of regeneration. Here, with keen edges and smooth curves, were forms in the exact likeness of those he had seen abraded and time-eaten on the walls. These were the ideas in modern prose which the lichened colleges presented in old poetry. Even some of those antiques might have been called prose when they were new. They had done nothing but wait, and had become poetical. How easy to the smallest building; how impossible to most men.
The yard was a little centre of regeneration. Here, with keen edges and smooth curves, were forms in the exact likeness of those he had seen abraded and time-eaten on the walls. These were the ideas in modern prose which the lichened colleges presented in old poetry. Even some of those antiques might have been called prose when they were new. They had done nothing but wait, and had become poetical. How easy to the smallest building; how impossible to most men.
The quote reflects on the idea that a simple yard can symbolize a space of renewal and growth. It suggests that modern expressions, much like the weathered forms of old poetry, evolve over time and gain new significance. Hardy draws a parallel between the enduring nature of ideas and the way poetry transforms when it is revisited. The antiques, once fresh and new, have matured into something more profound and poetical through the passage of time. This highlights how patience and time can lead to greater understanding and appreciation of both art and life. The quote also implies that while some might easily grasp these transformations, they can be elusive for many. Ultimately, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing growth in both our surroundings and ourselves.