Ships that pass in the night

Posted by Roger Whitehead on May 06, 2001

In Reply to: Ships that pass in the night posted by Eric N. on May 05, 2001

: Trying to find out what this phrase means. I have a vague idea but do not know the exact meaning.
: Thanks
: Eric

It's from Longfellow's poem: The Theologian's Tale: Elizabeth, from the collection titled The Theologian's Tale.

"Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing;
Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness;
So on the ocean of life we pass and speak one another,
Only a look and a voice; then darkness again and a silence."

Says all that's needed, I feel.

Regards,

Roger

• Ships that pass in the night Eric N. 05/06/01
  • Sheeps that pass... ESC 05/07/01