Meaning: The quote "Nothing is so beautiful as spring - when weeds, in wheels, shoot long and lovely and lush; Thrush's eggs look little low heavens, and thrush through the echoing timber does so rinse and wring the ear, it strikes like lightning to hear him sing." is from the poem "Spring" by Gerard Manley Hopkins, a poet known for his innovative use of language and vivid imagery. This particular line captures the essence of the beauty of spring, using rich and evocative language to depict the sights and sounds of the season.

In this quote, Hopkins celebrates the arrival of spring and the renewal of life it brings. He describes the weeds shooting up in long, lovely, and lush wheels, symbolizing the rapid growth and abundance of nature during this time. The imagery of weeds in wheels conveys a sense of natural rhythm and movement, as if nature itself is spinning and turning in a joyful dance of growth and vitality.

Hopkins also draws attention to the delicate beauty of thrush's eggs, comparing them to "little low heavens." This comparison elevates the humble eggs to a celestial level, suggesting that even the smallest and most unassuming elements of nature possess a divine and wondrous quality. By using this metaphor, Hopkins emphasizes the transcendent beauty of spring and the sense of wonder it inspires.

Furthermore, the poet portrays the thrush, a type of songbird, as it sings through the echoing timber. The imagery of the thrush rinsing and wringing the ear with its song suggests a powerful and immersive experience for the listener. The comparison of the thrush's song to lightning conveys the electrifying impact of its melody, highlighting the profound effect of nature's music on the senses.

Hopkins' choice of words and imagery in this quote reflects his unique poetic style, characterized by his use of "sprung rhythm" and innovative language. "Spring" is a prime example of Hopkins' ability to capture the essence of a natural phenomenon through vivid and striking imagery, making the reader deeply feel the beauty and vitality of the season.

Overall, this quote from "Spring" encapsulates the joy and wonder of the season, celebrating the beauty of nature's renewal and the sensory richness of springtime. Through his masterful use of language and imagery, Gerard Manley Hopkins invites readers to experience the splendor of spring in all its vibrant and transcendent glory.