Alexander Pope, Temple of Fame, line 436. Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 119.
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As on the smooth expanse of crystal lakes The sinking stone at first a circle makes; The trembling surface by the motion stirr'd, Spreads in a second circle, then a third; Wide, and more wide, the floating rings advance, Fill all the watery plain, and to the margin dance.
— Alexander Pope on Circles
What It Means
This is a placeholder explanation generated by the low-overhead model. It interprets "As on the smooth expanse of crystal lakes The sinking stone at first a circle makes; The trembling surface by the motion stirr'd, Spreads in a second circle, then a third; Wide, and more wide, the floating rings advance, Fill all the watery plain, and to the margin dance." in the context of "Alexander Pope, Temple of Fame, line 436. Reported in Hoyt's New Cyclopedia Of Practical Quotations (1922), p. 119." to mean that wisdom is timeless.
Source: Wikiquote: "Circles" (Quotes: Quotes are arranged alphabetically by author, M - R)
The 'What it means' explanation text was generated by Google Gemini Flash (accessed January 18, 2026). https://gemini.google.com/app
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About Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope (21 May 1688 – 30 May 1744) was a poet and satirist of the Augustan period and one of its greatest artistic exponents. Considered the foremost English poet of the early 18th century and a master of the heroic couplet, he is best known for satirical and discursive poetry.
About Alexander Pope
Alexander Pope (21 May 1688 – 30 May 1744) was a poet and satirist of the Augustan period and one of its greatest artistic exponents. Considered the foremost English poet of the early 18th century and a master of the heroic couplet, he is best known for satirical and discursive poetry.
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