Every individual is an island, in fact
entire of itself, every one though
a part of the continent, is but a clod
washed away by the sea.
The world is less as well as if
a promontory were, as well as if
manners or thy friends
and thine own were.
Any entity’s death diminishes me,
because I too, live alone;
and therefore, never send to know
for whom the bell tolls;
it tolls for each and every of us–
the individuals that we truly are.
…………………………………………………………………………………..
Donne’s original
‘No Man is an Island’No man is an island entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as well as any manner of thy friends or of thine own were; any man's death diminishes me, because I am involved in mankind. And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for thee. Olde English Version No man is an Iland, intire of itselfe; every man is a peece of the Continent, a part of the maine; if a Clod bee washed away by the Sea, Europe is the lesse, as well as if a Promontorie were, as well as if a Manor of thy friends or of thine owne were; any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankinde; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee. MEDITATION XVII Devotions upon Emergent Occasions John Donne |