One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.
Thomas Osbert Mordaunt (1730–1809)
The character Lionel Hardcastle used these words in As Time Goes By. He has been told by the doctor that his father (who has just married at the age of 85) has only a year to live. Jean asks if he will tell his father. Lionel says, no, and says these words. Then he says, "let them have their crowded hour. Every minute of it."
This is actually two lines from a four line poem. Most quote sites only give two lines, which is rather sad. The full poem is as follows:
ReplyDeleteSound, sound the clarion, fill the fife
Throughout the sensual world proclaim,
One crowded hour of glorious life
Is worth an age without a name.
Thanks for posting the whole thing. I had read the poem, but wanted to use just the words as Lionel said them in the show.
DeleteMy father has come to live with us. At his age of 90, that is EXACTLY my philosophy!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting it. Reminds me of my intention and hope for him...
Wonderful.
DeleteMuch to be said either way . . . On the one hand, better (perhaps) not to be waiting for doom to fall as the fated day approaches. On the other hand, why not keep mortality in mind as a motivation to make each day full? Some of my biggest mistakes have been assuming there will be plenty of time for things . . . later. Maybe at 85, the father already knows this! Definitely a thought-provoking quote.
ReplyDeleteIt really is. And yes, the father does know. He and his bride are free spirits who live life to the fullest every minute.
DeleteI remember that episode and scene. Thanks for recalling it, Nan.
ReplyDeleteI remember that episode well. But am ashamed to say I didn't know who wrote the poem. Thanks for telling me and for reminding me of these two wonderful characters.
ReplyDelete