A Collection from Old Books

28/05/2026

"She Walks in Beauty"
Written by George Gordon Byron
Published 1815

She walks in beauty, like the night / Of cloudless climes and starry skies…” ✨🌌

Written in 1814 and published the following year in his collection Hebrew Melodies, Lord Byron’s "She Walks in Beauty" remains one of the most famous love poems in the English language.

Interestingly, it wasn't written for a romantic partner. Byron was inspired after attending a London party where he saw his cousin-by-marriage, Mrs. Anne Beatrix Wilmot, wearing a beautiful mourning dress stitched with dark spangles. He was so struck by her striking grace and innocence that he went home and penned these verses.

Rather than focusing purely on physical attraction, Byron’s lines capture a flawless balance—where "all that’s best of dark and bright" meet in perfect harmony, reflecting a mind at peace and a heart that is innocent.

“One shade the more, one ray the less,
Had half impaired the nameless grace
Which waves in every raven tress,
Or softly lightens o’er her face;”

True elegance never goes out of style. Who does this poem remind you of today? 🖤

27/05/2026

"The Own and the Pussy-Cat"
Written by Edward Lear
Published

Who remembers setting sail in a beautiful pea-green boat? ⛵️🐱🦉

First published in 1870, Edward Lear’s "The Owl and the Pussy-Cat" remains one of the most beloved nonsense poems ever written. Lear originally penned this charming, bizarre little tale to cheer up a friend's sick three-year-old daughter. Little did he know it would capture the hearts of millions for generations!

From wrapping up their five-pound note to buying a shilling ring from a Piggy-wig, it’s a brilliant reminder of how beautiful it is to step out of the logical world and embrace pure, joyful imagination.

“They dined on mince, and slices of quince,
Which they ate with a runcible spoon;
And hand in hand, on the edge of the sand,
They danced by the light of the moon...”

When was the last time you read this classic to the kids (or just to yourself)? 🌙✨

26/05/2026

"Waiting"
Written by John Burroughs
Published 1863

Feeling overwhelmed by the constant pressure to hustle? Take a breath and read this. 🧘‍♂️✨

In 1862, a 25-year-old schoolteacher named John Burroughs was facing a incredibly gloomy period in his life. The Civil War was raging, his career was stalling, and the future felt completely uncertain. Sitting in a small back room, he penned a poem that would go on to comfort millions: "Waiting."

It’s a beautiful anthem for anyone who needs a reminder to pause, let go of what they cannot control, and trust that what is meant for them won’t pass them by.

“I stay my haste, I make delays,
For what avails this eager pace?
I stand amid the eternal ways,
And what is mine shall know my face.”

Have you been rushing too much lately? Let this be your sign to slow down today. 🌲

25/05/2026

"Each In His Own Tongue"
Written by William Herbert Carruth
Published 1895

“Some call it Evolution, and others call it God.” 🌿✨

Ever read a piece of literature that completely shifts your perspective? Published over a century ago, William Herbert Carruth’s masterpiece, "Each in His Own Tongue," explores how different people interpret the beauty, wonder, and mystery of our world.

Whether looking at a hazy autumn sunset, the slow march of evolution, or a sudden spark of human kindness, Carruth reminds us that we all perceive the divine and the magnificent in our own unique ways.

“A picket frozen on duty,
A mother starved for her brood,
Socrates drinking the hemlock,
And Jesus on the rood;
And millions who, humble and nameless,
The straight, hard pathway trod—
Some call it Consecration,
And others call it God.”

It’s a beautiful reminder of unity and shared wonder in a world that often feels divided. What does this poem bring up for you?

24/05/2026

"America for Me"
Written by Henry van D**e
Published 1911

The author, Van D**e, was an American poet who is better remembered for working as a Presbyterian clergyman and working as a lecturer in Paris. He spent time in countries around the world, including striving as Minister to the Netherlands and Luxembourg right as WWI was beginning. This poem is likely inspired by his experiences and his love for his home.

**e **e **e

20/05/2026

Credits not mine.
Story by: Sarah Jenkis
Illustrated by: Leo Kim

16/05/2026

Check out 7-Piece Durable Plastic Back-to-School Stationery Gift Set with Assorted Office Supplies Kit.

Get it on Shopee now! https://s.shopee.ph/W3XnKm3yF

School prep just got a whole lot cuter! 🌸✨

Get everything they need in one coordinated bundle with our 7-Piece Durable Stationery Gift Set. From multi-color pens to adorable flower-themed accessories, this kit is designed to make studying a little more fun.

✨ Durable plastic casing
✨ Functional & cute office supplies
✨ Ready for immediate shipping 🚛
Which color are you choosing? Let us know below! 👇

https://s.shopee.ph/W3XnKm3yF

16/05/2026

16/05/2026

"Wolsey's Farewell to His Greatness"
Written by William Shakespeare, co-authored by John Fletcher

Key Highlights & Metaphors

The Seasons of Life: Wolsey compares human ambition to a plant growing in spring. Just as leaves and blossoms appear, sudden ruin arrives like a "killing frost" that nips the plant at its root.

The Swimmer: He compares his time of power to a boy swimming with bladders for support in a "sea of glory". His pride caused him to swim out too deep, resulting in the bladders breaking and leaving him to drown.

Fall from Grace: The metaphor of falling "like Lucifer" highlights his complete and irrevocable exile from the King's favor, mirroring the biblical fall from heaven.

Acceptance: Despite the agony of losing his status, Wolsey expresses a sense of relief, realizing that pinning one's hopes on earthly rulers is ultimately wretched and vain.

Source: https://www.stevedonoghue.com/review-archives/one-encounter-henry-viii