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    Burnt Norton II · Line 2 · Clot the bedded axle-tree

    An axle-tree is the fixed bar on which a wheel turns — an old term from carts and carriages. Clogged with mud and jewels, it cannot turn: the image anticipates the still point, the unmoving centre on which movement depends. ‘Bedded’ suggests both something sunk in mud and something laid to rest.

    Interpretive Still point

    Sources Stéphane Mallarmé (locator to be verified)

    See also The lyric: earth and stars The still point

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