Phantastes

Every time I read this, I find deeper and more profound meaning in it. Probably because I'm growing into it, like a child growing out of his childish tastes and into the appreciation of more complex flavours. It's all about giving up selfish desires and losing one's self to find one's self.

"I attempted to run away, but they all rushed upon me, and, laying hold of every part that afforded a grasp, held me tight. Crowding about me like bees, they shouted an insect-swarm of exasperating speeches up into my face, among which the most frequently recurring were--'you shan't have her; you shan't have her; he! he! he! She's for a better man; she's for a better man; how he'll kiss her! how he'll kiss her!'

The galvanic torrent of this battery of malevolence stung to life within me a spark of nobleness, and I said aloud, 'Well, if he is a better man, let him have her.'

They instantly let go their hold of me, and fell back a step or two, with a whole broadside of grunts and humphs, as of unexpected and disappointed approbation."

"Do not vex thy violet

Perfume to afford:

Else no odour thou wilt get

From its little hoard

In thy lady's gracious eyes

Look not thou too long;

Else from them the glory flies,

And thou doest her wrong.

Come not thou too near the maid,

Clasp her not too wild;

Else the splendour is allayed,

And thy heart beguiled." 

-- George MacDonald, Phantastes