Meaning: The quote "Touch us gently, Time! Let us glide adown thy stream, Gently, - as we sometimes glide Through a quiet dream!" is a beautiful and thought-provoking verse by Barry Cornwall, the pen name of the English poet and essayist Bryan Waller Procter. This evocative quote captures the poet's contemplation of time and the passage of life, expressing a desire for a gentle and serene journey through the flow of time.

In this verse, Cornwall personifies time as a gentle force, inviting it to touch humanity tenderly and allow them to move gracefully along its stream. The imagery of gliding down the stream of time evokes a sense of tranquility and ease, akin to the peaceful experience of drifting through a quiet dream. Cornwall's choice of words and the rhythm of the verse create a poignant and introspective mood, inviting readers to reflect on the nature of time and the way in which they navigate the passage of life.

Barry Cornwall, or Bryan Waller Procter, was a prominent figure in the literary circles of the early 19th century. He was known for his lyrical poetry and was associated with the Romantic literary movement, which valued emotion, imagination, and the natural world. Cornwall's poetry often explored themes of love, nature, and the human experience, and his work was admired for its sensitivity and introspective quality.

The quote "Touch us gently, Time! Let us glide adown thy stream, Gently, - as we sometimes glide Through a quiet dream!" reflects Cornwall's contemplative and philosophical approach to poetry. It captures the universal human desire for a peaceful and unhurried experience of time, as well as the recognition of time's inexorable passage. Cornwall's use of the word "gently" repeated twice in the verse emphasizes the poet's longing for a soft and unhurried journey through the flow of time.

The metaphor of gliding through a quiet dream further enhances the sense of tranquility and introspection in the quote. It suggests a state of calm and serenity, where the passage of time is experienced with a sense of grace and ease. Cornwall's choice of imagery invites readers to consider the nature of time and the way in which they engage with it, prompting reflection on the fleeting moments of life and the desire for a gentle and harmonious relationship with the passage of time.

In conclusion, Barry Cornwall's quote "Touch us gently, Time! Let us glide adown thy stream, Gently, - as we sometimes glide Through a quiet dream!" encapsulates the poet's contemplation of time and the human experience. Through evocative imagery and a reflective tone, Cornwall invites readers to consider their relationship with time and the universal longing for a serene and unhurried journey through life. His poetic verse continues to resonate with audiences, offering a timeless meditation on the nature of time and the human spirit.