It's only optimistic if you look slantwise. I was being a bit wry about it. I'm sure the poet thought he was being all moody and bleak about existence. And, of course, he was influenced by his religion which taught Original Sin, so he's merely stating that no one is born free of the taint of sin.
Still, I think he misses the whole point of our being responsible for the havoc we wreak in the world. If our worst crime is being born, that's not even something we chose, is it? What then of all the things we choose to do. All the dreadful decisions that ought to be charged to our accounts?
Is it a sin just to exist? I don't think so. Certainly not for all of us. Not from the beginning. I suppose you might ask whether some of us sin by continuing.
Begging your pardon. My cousin will have my hide for this if I'm not careful. I'm supposed to be changing for dinner, not foisting morose poetry on you.
I think you're right -- he does rather skip out on any responsibility for anything by saying things like "it's all a dream," and "we're born in sin anyroad, so why bother."
It doesn't sound like he enjoyed existence very much.
You'd better get dressed. I'm glad you're going out and having dinner, and Aunt Narcissa mustn't be kept waiting.
Well, he was Spanish. Even Isobel Sandoval, much as I adore her, can become crashingly dull when she goes on at length about the homeland. To hear her tell it, Spain hasn't much left the 16th century and I suspect they would rather forget that little incident with their armada, altogether!
But you'll be happy to know that Reg's chat with you did not keep him. Though we did not go 'out' at all, dear: I still insist on proper etiquette when we have company, and therefore we dress for supper. I don't believe Lucius has held you to this standard in town (nor strictly speaking need he do so).
By the way, Lucius did speak with me and with your mother about the holidays and we agree it would be a good use of your time to take lessons (imagine not knowing your languages, poor thing!) with Draco's tutors over the summer. We'd already had him in French, but we'd like to start him in German as well, Austria being one of the countries we suspect will soon follow in Our Lord's footsteps. I've given your mother the names of the wizards so I hope she'll be making arrangements soon.
(And Lucius has mentioned spending a week or so with him in town. I'm sure you'll tire of each other before a full week, but if he wishes to shepherd a teen-aged girl, it's his own lookout. I did remind him that you'll want to see some theatre and ought not to be shut up in the library the whole of your visit!)
I'm glad he wasn't held up on my account. Mum always has me look my best when we eat out, but I think dressing for dinner at home is quite nice too. It does make it seem more special.
The tutor and the week in London both sound lovely, Aunt Narcissa.
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branchandroot
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Date: 2010-04-10 09:54 pm (UTC)Still, I think he misses the whole point of our being responsible for the havoc we wreak in the world. If our worst crime is being born, that's not even something we chose, is it? What then of all the things we choose to do. All the dreadful decisions that ought to be charged to our accounts?
Is it a sin just to exist? I don't think so. Certainly not for all of us. Not from the beginning. I suppose you might ask whether some of us sin by continuing.
Begging your pardon. My cousin will have my hide for this if I'm not careful. I'm supposed to be changing for dinner, not foisting morose poetry on you.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-10 10:03 pm (UTC)It doesn't sound like he enjoyed existence very much.
You'd better get dressed. I'm glad you're going out and having dinner, and Aunt Narcissa mustn't be kept waiting.
no subject
Date: 2010-04-11 04:28 am (UTC)But you'll be happy to know that Reg's chat with you did not keep him. Though we did not go 'out' at all, dear: I still insist on proper etiquette when we have company, and therefore we dress for supper. I don't believe Lucius has held you to this standard in town (nor strictly speaking need he do so).
By the way, Lucius did speak with me and with your mother about the holidays and we agree it would be a good use of your time to take lessons (imagine not knowing your languages, poor thing!) with Draco's tutors over the summer. We'd already had him in French, but we'd like to start him in German as well, Austria being one of the countries we suspect will soon follow in Our Lord's footsteps. I've given your mother the names of the wizards so I hope she'll be making arrangements soon.
(And Lucius has mentioned spending a week or so with him in town. I'm sure you'll tire of each other before a full week, but if he wishes to shepherd a teen-aged girl, it's his own lookout. I did remind him that you'll want to see some theatre and ought not to be shut up in the library the whole of your visit!)
no subject
Date: 2010-04-11 05:06 am (UTC)The tutor and the week in London both sound lovely, Aunt Narcissa.
Thank you!
Summer hols is sounding better and better.