Passage II (G. M. Hopkins, 'No worst, there is none', written 1885, published 1918)
No worst, there is none. Pitched past pitch of grief,
More pangs will, schooled at forepangs, wilder wring.
Comforter, where, where is your comforting?
Mary, mother of us, where is your relief?
My cries heave, herds-long; huddle in a main, a chief
Woe, world-sorrow; on an age-old anvil wince and sing —
Then lull, then leave off. Fury had shrieked 'No ling-
ering! Let me be fell: force I must be brief.'
O the mind, mind has mountains; cliffs of fall
Frightful, sheer, no-man-fathomed. Hold them cheap
May who ne'er hung there. Nor does long our small
Durance deal with that steep or deep. Here! creep,
Wretch, under a comfort serves in a whirlwind: all
Life death does end and each day dies with sleep.
Which best describes the meaning of the opening, 'No worst, there is none'?
Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A. It is not the worst, because there is nothing (beyond it).
Explanation
Per the key. The line means there is no 'worst', no floor to suffering: each pang, 'schooled at forepangs', wrings wilder.
Note: Key doubtful: none of the options states the sense — that there is no limit to suffering — cleanly.
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