Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Temperance, or The Cheap Physician" is a poem by Richard Crashaw, an English poet and Anglican clergyman who lived in the 17th century. The poem is a meditation on the benefits of temperance, or self-restraint, in preserving one's health and well-being.

The central theme of the poem is the importance of self-control in maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual health. Crashaw argues that indulging in excess or luxury, whether it be in food, drink, or material possessions, is harmful to the body and soul. He urges the reader to embrace temperance as a means of achieving balance and harmony in all aspects of life.

The poem is structured as a series of rhetorical questions and answers, with Crashaw posing questions about the dangers of excess and then providing answers that extol the virtues of temperance. The language is rich and ornate, with a profusion of metaphors and allusions that underscore the importance of the poem's message.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery, which vividly captures the dangers of excess and the benefits of temperance. For example, Crashaw compares the effects of excess on the body to the ravages of war, while describing temperance as a "healing art" that restores and sustains health. The poem also makes use of religious imagery, with references to the Garden of Eden and the biblical story of Daniel, who refused to indulge in the rich foods and wines of the Babylonian court.

In conclusion, "Temperance, or The Cheap Physician" is a powerful and eloquent poem that celebrates the virtues of self-control and temperance. Its rich language and vivid imagery underscore the importance of these virtues in achieving physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, and its message continues to resonate with readers today

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