And he that strives to touch the stars, Oft stumbles at a straw.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that people who try to achieve great things or reach for the stars can sometimes get distracted by small, unimportant things. It's easy to get caught up in the little details and lose sight of the bigger picture. The message is that it's important to focus on your main goals and not get sidetracked by minor obstacles or distractions along the way.
About Edmund Spenser
Edmund Spenser was an English poet known for his epic poem ‘The Faerie Queene’, which celebrated the Tudor dynasty and Queen Elizabeth I. He is considered one of the greatest poets in the English language, renowned for his masterful use of language and poetic technique.
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More quotes from Edmund Spenser
He that strives to touch the starts, oft stumbles at a straw.
English poet (1552-1599)
I was promised on a time – to have reason for my rhyme; From that time unto this season, I received nor rhyme nor reason.
English poet (1552-1599)
The poets’ scrolls will outlive the monuments of stone. Genius survives; all else is claimed by death.
English poet (1552-1599)
Sleep after toil, port after stormy seas, Ease after war, death after life does greatly please.
English poet (1552-1599)
And he that strives to touch the stars, Oft stumbles at a straw.
English poet (1552-1599)
And all for love, and nothing for reward.
English poet (1552-1599)
What more felicity can fall to creature, than to enjoy delight with liberty?
English poet (1552-1599)
Each goodly thing is hardest to begin.
English poet (1552-1599)
Gold all is not that doth golden seem.
English poet (1552-1599)
It is the mind that maketh good of ill, that maketh wretch or happy, rich or poor.
English poet (1552-1599)
Her angel’s face, As the great eye of heaven shined bright, And made a sunshine in the shady place.
English poet (1552-1599)