Robin Redbreast Quotes

• A robin redbreast in a cage Puts all heaven in a rage.

  William Blake

  Animal, Heaven, Humanity

  "Auguries of Innocence" l. 5 (ca. 1803)

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• The trees are Indian Princes, But soon they'll turn to Ghosts; The scanty pears and apples Hang russet on the bough; Its Autumn, Autumn, Autumn late, 'Twill soon be Winter now. Robin, Robin Redbreast, O Robin dear! And what will this poor Robin do? For pinching days are near.

  William Allingham

  Winter, Autumn, Apples

  William Allingham (1877). “Songs, Ballads, and Stories: Including Many Now First Collected, the Rest Revised and Rearranged”, p.169

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• If a robin redbreast in a cage
  Puts all heaven in a rage,
  How feels heaven when
  Dies the billionth battery hen?

  Spike Milligan

  Heaven, Robins, Batteries

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• I saw a robin redbreast in Central Park today, but it turned out to be a sparrow with an exit wound.

  David Letterman

  Central Park, Robins, Sparrows

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• A dog starved at his master's gate Predicts the ruin of the state.

  William Blake

  Dog, Ruins, States

  "Auguries of Innocence" l. 9 (ca. 1803)

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• The fairy tale is in a perpetual state of becoming and alteration. To keep to one version or one translation alone is to put robin redbreast in a cage.

  Philip Pullman

  Robins, Becoming, Cages

  Philip Pullman (2012). “Grimm Tales: For Young and Old”, p.15, Penguin UK

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