Poeta Non Fit Sed Nascitur

Dusk in Tuscanny by Stephen Hannock

Dear B:

An eminent English Renaissance playwright and poet says this about Shakespeare. He is “not of an age, but for all time.” Surely, the latter is poeta non fit sed nascitur. Indeed, the English Bard was not made, but a borne poet and playwright. Therefore, on your upcoming birthday, I like to quote this Bard verse, “in honor of whose birth these triumphs are.”

As God says, “gray hair is a crown of glory.” Even so at our different stage of life, we are ever the contingents of God. So it is, you filled my heart with quiet joy in this milestone. May you continue to embrace His wisdom where you are,“where the vine and fig bask hand in hand.”

In shadow or shine, in flower and thorn, I leave you this birthday thought and evermore: a gentleness of heart, a firmness of mind, and a simplicity of life.

in gratia Dei,

L’