“We cannot kindle when we will
The fire that in the heart resides”

— Matthew Arnold

"Morality" (1852), st. 1
Context: We cannot kindle when we will
The fire that in the heart resides,
The spirit bloweth and is still,
In mystery our soul abides; —
But tasks, in hours of insight willed,
Can be through hours of gloom fulfilled.

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Matthew Arnold 166

English poet and cultural critic who worked as an inspector… 1822–1888

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