Dish said no more, and Augustus decided not to tease him. Occasionally the very youngness of the young moved him to charity- they had no sense of the swiftness of life, nor of its limits. The years would pass like weeks, and loves would pass too, or else grow sour. Young Dish, skilled cowhand that he was, might not live to see the whores of Ogallala, and the tender feelings he harbored for Lorena might be the sweetest he would ever have.
In "Lonesome Dove," Augustus reflects on the innocence of youth, particularly regarding the character Dish. He recognizes that young people often lack an awareness of how quickly life can change, making their experiences seem both fleeting and profound. The passage highlights a sense of compassion Augustus feels for the younger generation, who might not fully grasp the inevitable passage of time and the impact it has on their dreams and relationships.
The theme of transience is further emphasized through Dish's skills as a cowhand and his feelings for Lorena. There is a poignant realization that these feelings represent a peak of emotion that may never be surpassed, illustrating the fleeting nature of youth and love. Augustus's musings suggest that as time progresses, many young people, like Dish, may find themselves missing out on future experiences and developments, leaving them with only their cherished memories.
