"An ass may bray a good while before he shakes the stars down"

This quote by George Eliot is a metaphor for the concept that even if somebody is loud and consistent, they might not be able to attain their goals. The ass is a symbol of someone who is loud and consistent, however ultimately ineffective. The stars represent the goals that the ass is attempting to attain. The quote is saying that even if someone is loud and persistent, they may not have the ability to achieve their goals. It is a reminder that effort and determination are necessary, but they may not constantly be enough to attain success. The quote is also a pointer that often, luck and timing are just as important as effort and perseverance.