“No free man needs a God; but was I free?How fully I felt nature glued to meAnd how my childish palate loved the tasteHalf-fish, half-honey, of that golden paste!My picture book was at an early ageThe painted parchment papering our cage:Mauve rings around the moon; blood-orange sun;Twinned Iris; and that rare phenomenonThe iridule - when, beautiful and strange,In a bright sky above a mountain rangeOne opal cloudlet in an oval formReflects the rainbow of a thunderstormWhich in a distant valley has been staged -For we are most artistically caged.”

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Originally said in English.

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About Vladimir Nabokov

Russian novelist and literary critic of the 20th century, Nabokov is best known for his intricate, linguistically precise fiction, including *Lolita* and *Pale Fire*. His work blends psychological depth with playful, often ironic storytelling, earning him a lasting place in modern literature.

More from Vladimir Nabokov (161 quotes) →
"No free man needs a God; but was I free?How fully I felt nature glued…" — Vladimir Nabokov | Daily Quotes