RD BK X There was once a man (reputed to be the wisest in the world)… the wind… repeated with a hollow sound: ‘Endure

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Here are some striking quotes from The Unquiet Grave — selecting from Cyril Connolly’s introspective 1944 collection (written as “Palinurus”), as well as lines from the traditional ballad that inspired its title:

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🖋 From The Unquiet Grave by Cyril Connolly (Palinurus)

• “No opinions, no ideas, no real knowledge of anything, no ideals, no inspiration; a fat, slothful, querulous, greedy, impotent carcass…” (goodreads.com)
  A piercing critique of spiritual decay and existential emptiness.

• “Our memories are card‑indexes consulted and then put back in disorder by authorities whom we do not control.” (goodreads.com)
  Connolly’s metaphor highlights how our recollections slip through unseen hands.

• “A rune for the very bored: when very bored say to yourself: ‘It was during the next twenty minutes that there occurred one of those tiny incidents which revolutionizes the whole course of our life… Truly we are the playthings of enormous fates.’” (goodreads.com)
  A bittersweet reminder of life's small yet world-changing moments.

• “There was once a man (reputed to be the wisest in the world)… the wind… repeated with a hollow sound: ‘Endure!’” (reddit.com, goodreads.com)
  A fable illustrating resilience as life’s perennial directive.

• “Flaubert spoke true: to succeed a great artist must have both character and fanaticism…” (quotepark.com)
  An observation on the dual intensity required for creative greatness.

• “‘The birds depart, the flowers wither… no trace is left… such is our personality.’” (quotepark.com)
  A poignant meditation on transience and identity.

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🎶 From the Traditional Ballad The Unquiet Grave

These are verses that inspired Connolly’s title and themes:

“The wind doth blow today, my love, / And a few small drops of rain; / I never had but one true‑love, / In cold grave she was lain.” (reddit.com, fluidself.org)

“I’ll sit and mourn all at her grave / For a twelvemonth and a day.” (en.wikipedia.org)

“You crave one kiss of my clay‑cold lips… But my breath smells earthy strong… If you have one kiss… Your time will not be long.” (reddit.com)

“The finest flower that e’er was seen / Is withered to a stalk… So make yourself content, my love, / Till God calls you away.” (reddit.com)

These stanzas explore deep grief, the danger of clinging too long to the dead, and the necessity of acceptance.

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🔍 Why These Resonate

• Mirror themes: Connolly’s reflections on decay and existential malaise echo the ballad’s insight into mourning and loss.

• Philosophical reach: Both works confront endurance, memory, fleeting beauty, and the balance between suffering and renewal.

• Literary influence: The ballad’s haunting imagery clearly influenced Connolly’s tone and choice of title.

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Would you like to explore how Connolly weaves these traditional themes into his essays, or dig deeper into specific quotes or chapters?