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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

POVERTY by THOMAS TRAHERNE

Poet Analysis

First Line: AS IN THE HOUSE I SATE
Last Line: BUT NOW I HAVE A DEITY.
Subject(s): POVERTY;
As in the House I sate
Alone and desolate,
No Creature but the Fire and I,
The Chimney and the Stool, I lift mine Eye
Up to the Wall
And in the Silent Hall
Saw nothing mine
But som few Cups and Dishes shine
The Table and the wooden Stools
Where Peeple us'd to dine:
A painted Cloth there was
Wherein som ancient Story wrought
A little entertain'd my Thought
Which Light discover'd throu the Glass.

I wonder'd much to see
That all my Wealth should be
Confin'd in such a little Room,
Yet hope for more I scarcely durst presume.
It griev'd me sore
That such a scanty Store
Should be my All:
For I forgot my Ease and Health,
Nor did I think of Hands or Eyes,
Nor Soul nor Body prize;
I neither thought the Sun,
Nor Moon, nor Stars, nor People, mine,
Tho they did round about me shine;
And therefore was I quite undon.

Some greater things I thought
Must needs for me be wrought,
Which till my pleased Mind could see
I ever should lament my Poverty:
I fain would have
Whatever Bounty gave;
Nor could there be
Without, or Lov or Deity:
For, should not He be Infinite
Whose Hand created me?
Ten thousand absent things
Did vex my poor and absent Mind,
Which, till I be no longer blind,
Let me not see the King of Kings.
His Love must surely be
Rich, infinit, and free;
Nor can He be thought a Gold
Of Grace and Pow'r, that fills not his Abode,
His Holy Court,
In kind and liberal sort;
Joys and Pleasures,
Plenty of Jewels, Goods, and Treasures,
(To enrich the Poor, cheer the forlorn)
His Palace must adorn,
And given all to me:
For till His Works my Wealth became,
No Love, or Peace, did me enflame:
But now I have a DEITY.



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