Meaning: This quote is from the poem "Ode to Evening" by William Collins, an 18th-century English poet. The lines "By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung" evoke a sense of mystery and ethereal beauty. The imagery of "fairy hands" and "forms unseen" creates a haunting and enchanting atmosphere, hinting at a world beyond the ordinary, where unseen forces are at work.

In these lines, Collins personifies the evening, attributing to it a sense of otherworldly presence. The use of the word "fairy" suggests a magical and supernatural element, while the notion of "forms unseen" conjures up a sense of the mysterious and intangible. The poem as a whole explores the tranquility and enchantment of evening, and these lines capture the sense of the evening being touched by an unseen, mystical hand.

Collins was a part of the Romantic movement in English literature, and his poetry often reflects a fascination with the natural world and the supernatural. In "Ode to Evening," he celebrates the beauty and serenity of the twilight hours, using rich imagery and evocative language to create a sense of wonder and enchantment. The lines "By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung" exemplify Collins' ability to weave together the themes of nature and the supernatural in his poetry.

The idea of "fairy hands" and "forms unseen" also speaks to the theme of hidden or overlooked beauty. Collins suggests that there is a beauty and magic in the world that may go unnoticed by many, but is nevertheless present and powerful. This notion aligns with the Romantic emphasis on finding beauty and meaning in the natural world, as well as in the realms of imagination and the supernatural.

Furthermore, the use of the words "knell" and "dirge" adds a sense of solemnity and mystery to the lines. A knell is a sound of a bell, often associated with tolling for a funeral or death, while a dirge is a mournful song or lament. By employing these words, Collins infuses the evening with a sense of solemnity and reverence, as if it is a time for reflection and remembrance. The juxtaposition of the mystical and the mournful creates a poignant and evocative mood in the poem.

Overall, these lines from "Ode to Evening" by William Collins capture the essence of the Romantic fascination with the supernatural and the beauty of the natural world. The imagery of "fairy hands" and "forms unseen" creates a sense of enchantment and mystery, while the use of words like "knell" and "dirge" adds a layer of solemnity and reverence. Collins' ability to weave together these elements in his poetry showcases his talent for evoking a sense of wonder and beauty in the reader's imagination.

In summary, William Collins' quote "By fairy hands their knell is rung; By forms unseen their dirge is sung" captures the essence of his Romantic poetry, with its emphasis on the beauty of nature, the fascination with the supernatural, and the evocative use of imagery and language. Through these lines, Collins invites the reader into a world of mystery and enchantment, where unseen forces and hidden beauty shape the evening into a time of solemn reflection and ethereal beauty.