Sarah Williams
Encyclopedia
Sarah Williams was an English
poet
, most famous as the author of "The Old Astronomer", also known as "The Old Astronomer to His Pupil".
A segment of her poem is used in the introduction to Ian Rankin
's novel Set in Darkness
.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
poet
Poet
A poet is a person who writes poetry. A poet's work can be literal, meaning that his work is derived from a specific event, or metaphorical, meaning that his work can take on many meanings and forms. Poets have existed since antiquity, in nearly all languages, and have produced works that vary...
, most famous as the author of "The Old Astronomer", also known as "The Old Astronomer to His Pupil".
A segment of her poem is used in the introduction to Ian Rankin
Ian Rankin
Ian Rankin, OBE, DL , is a Scottish crime writer. His best known books are the Inspector Rebus novels. He has also written several pieces of literary criticism.-Background:He attended Beath High School, Cowdenbeath...
's novel Set in Darkness
Set in Darkness
Set in Darkness is a 2000 crime novel by Ian Rankin. It is the eleventh of the Inspector Rebus novels.-Plot summary:The Scottish Parliament is about to reopen in Edinburgh after 300 years. Detective Inspector John Rebus is in charge of liaison, as the new parliament is in his patch...
.
- Though my soul may set in darkness,
- it will rise in perfect light.
- I have loved the stars too fondly
- to be fearful of the night.
Sources
- E.A. Plumptre, 'Memoir', in Sarah Williams, Twilight Hours. A Legacy of Verse, 3rd edition, London: Strahan & Co., 1872