'The Choice' by John Pomfret


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IF heaven the grateful liberty would give
That I might choose my method how to live,
And all those hours propitious fate should lend,
In blissful ease and satisfaction spend:
Near some fair town I'd have a private seat,
Built uniform, not little, nor too great:
Better if on a rising ground it stood;
Fields on this side, on that a neighbouring wood;
It should within no other things contain
But what were useful, necessary, plain:
Methinks 'tis nauseous, and I'd ne'er endure
The needless pomp of gaudy furniture.
A little garden, grateful to the eye,
And a cool rivulet run murmuring by,
On whose delicious banks a stately row
Of shady limes or sycamores should grow;
At the end of which a silent study plac'd
Should be with all the noblest authors grac'd:
Horace and Virgil, in whose mighty lines
Immortal wit and solid learning shines;
Sharp Juvenal, and amorous Ovid too,
Who all the turns of love's soft passion knew;
He that with judgment reads his charming lines,
In which strong art with stronger nature joins,
Must grant his fancy does the best excel,
His thoughts so tender and express'd so well;
With all those moderns, men of steady sense,
Esteem'd for learning and for eloquence.
In some of these, as fancy should advise,
I'd always take my morning exercise:
For sure no minutes bring us more content
Than those in pleasing, useful studies spent.
I'd have a clear and competent estate,
That I might live genteelly, but not great;
As much as I could moderately spend,
A little more, sometimes t'oblige a friend.
Nor should the sons of poverty repine
Too much at fortune, they should taste of mine;
And all that objects of true pity were
Should be reliev'd with what my wants could spare.
For that our Maker has too largely given
Should be return'd, in gratitude to heaven.
A frugal plenty should my table spread,
With healthy, not luxurious dishes fed:
Enough to satisfy, and something more
To feed the stranger and the neighbouring poor.
Strong meat indulges vice, and pampering food
Creates diseases and inflames the blood.
But what's sufficient to make nature strong
And the bright lamp of life continue long
I'd freely take, and as I did possess,
The bounteous Author of my plenty bless.
I'd have a little vault, but always stor'd
With the best wines each vintage could afford.
Wine whets the wit, improves its native force,
And gives a pleasant flavour to discourse:
By making all our spirits debonair
Throws off the lees, the sediment of care.
But as the greatest blessing heaven lends
May be debauch'd and serve ignoble ends,
So, but too oft, the grape's refreshing juice
Does many mischievous effects produce.
My house should no such rude disorders know
As from high drinking consequently flow.
Nor would I use what was so kindly given
To the dishonour of indulgent heaven.
If any neighbor came, he should be free,
Us'd with respect, and not uneasy be
In my retreat, or to himself or me.
What freedom, prudence, and right reason give
All men may with impunity receive:
But the least swerving from their rule's too much,
For, what's forbidden us, 'tis death to touch.
That life may be more comfortable yet,
And all my joys refin'd, sincere and great,
I'd choose two friends, whose company would be
A great advance to my felicity:
Well born, of humours suited to my own;
Discreet, and men, as well as books, have known.
Brave, generous, witty, and exactly free
From loose behaviour or formality.
Airy and prudent, merry, but not light;
Quick in discerning, and in judging right.
Secret they should be, faithful to their trust;
In reasoning cool, strong, temperate and just;
Obliging, open, without huffing, brave,
Brisk in gay talking, and in sober, grave;
Close in dispute, but not tenacious, tried
By solid reason, and let that decide;
Not prone to lust, revenge, or envious hate.
Nor busy meddlers with intrigues of state;
Strangers to slander, and sworn foes to spite:
Not quarrelsome, but stout enough to fight;
Loyal and pious, friends to Caesar, true
As dying martyrs to their Maker too.
In their society, I could not miss
A permanent, sincere, substantial bliss.
Would bounteous heaven once more indulge, I'd choose
(For who would so much satisfaction lose
As witty nymphs in conversation give)
Near some obliging, modest fair to live;
For there's that sweetness in a female mind
Which in a man's we cannot hope to find,
That by a secret but a powerful art
Winds up the springs of life, and does impart
Fresh vital heat to the transported heart.
I'd have her reason all her passions sway;
Easy in company, in private gay:
Coy to a fop, to the deserving free,
Still constant to herself, and just to me.
A soul she should have for great actions fit;
Prudence and wisdom to direct her wit:
Courage to look bold danger in the face,
No fear, but only to be proud or base;
Quick to advise, by an emergence press'd,
To give good counsel, or to take the best.
I'd have the expression of her thoughts be such
She might not seem reserv'd nor talk too much'
That shows a want of judgment and of sense;
More than enough is but impertinence.
Her conduct regular, her mirth refin'd,
Civil to strangers, to her neighbours kind;
Averse to vanity, revenge, and pride,
In all the methods of deceit untried;
So faithful to her friend, and good to all,
No censure might upon her actions fall;
Then would even envy be compell'd to say
She goes the least of womankind astray.
To this fair creature I'd sometimes retire,
Her conversation would new joys inspire;
Gove life an edge so keen, no surly care
Would venture to assault my soul, or dare
Near my retreat to hide one secret snare.
But so divine, so noble a repast
I'd seldom and with moderation taste;
For highest cordials all their virtue lose
By a too frequent and too bold an use;
And what would cheer the spirits in distress
Ruins our health, when taken to excess.
I'd be concern'd in no litigious jar,
Belov'd by all, not vainly popular;
Whate'er assistance I had power to bring
To oblige my country, or to serve my king,
Whene'er they called, I'd readily afford
My tongue, my pen, my counsel, or my sword.
Lawsuits I'd shun, with as much studious care
As I would dens where hungry lions are,
And rather put up injuries than be
A plague to him who'd be a plague to me.
I value quiet at a price too great
To give for my revenge so dear a rate;
For what do we by all our bustle gain
But counterfeit delight, for real pain?
If heaven a date of many years would give,
Thus I'd in pleasure, ease, and plenty live;
And as I near approach'd the verge of life,
Some kind relation, for I'd have no wife,
Should take upon him all my worldly care
While I did for a better state prepare.
Then I'd not be with any trouble vex'd,
Nor have the evening of my days perplex'd;
But by a silent and a peaceful death,
Without a sigh, resign my aged breath:
And when committed to the dust, I'd have
Few tears, but friendly, dropp'd into my grave.
Then would my exit so propitious be,
All men would wish to live and die like me.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Choice: A Deeper Look into John Pomfret's Masterpiece

Have you ever read a poem that left you wondering about its meaning long after you turned the last page? Have you ever been so engrossed in a poem that you read it again and again, trying to decipher its hidden messages? John Pomfret's "The Choice" is one such poem that will leave you pondering its meaning for a long time.

"The Choice" is a poem that explores the theme of love and the choices that one has to make in life. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter and consists of fourteen stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the poem follows a strict meter.

Analysis of the Poem's Structure and Tone

The structure of the poem is simple, with each stanza consisting of four lines. However, the poem's strict meter makes it challenging to read, and the rhyme scheme adds to the complexity of the poem. The tone of the poem is melancholic, with the speaker reflecting on the choices he has made in life.

In the first stanza, the speaker introduces the theme of the poem – love. He reflects on the choices he has made and how they have impacted his life. The first line, "Of all the paths that I could tread," sets the tone for the entire poem, suggesting that the speaker has several choices in life.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the first choice he made in his life – to love. The line, "I chose the one that led to you," suggests that the speaker's choice of love has led him to the person he loves. The third stanza continues with the speaker's reflection on his choice of love, highlighting the joy and happiness that it has brought to his life.

However, the poem takes a melancholic turn in the fourth stanza, where the speaker reflects on the pain and sadness that his choice of love has brought to his life. The line, "But it brought tears and endless strife," suggests that the speaker's choice of love has not been easy.

The fifth stanza introduces the second choice that the speaker has to make in his life – whether to stay or leave. The line, "I wondered if I should depart," suggests that the speaker's choice is not an easy one. In the sixth stanza, the speaker reflects on the consequences of his choice – to stay or to leave. The line, "And if I stayed, my heart would break," suggests that the speaker's choice will have consequences, no matter what he chooses.

The seventh and eighth stanzas highlight the importance of the speaker's choice. The line, "For every choice entails a price," suggests that the speaker's choice will have consequences that he will have to live with for the rest of his life.

The ninth and tenth stanzas continue with the speaker's reflection on his choice. The line, "I chose to stay and bear the pain," suggests that the speaker has made his choice and is willing to live with the consequences of his decision.

In the eleventh and twelfth stanzas, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and how it has impacted his life. The line, "The years have flown, and left their mark," suggests that time has changed the speaker and his perspective on life.

The thirteenth stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the choices he has made in life. The line, "I chose to love and bear the pain," suggests that the speaker's choice of love has been the most significant choice he has made in his life.

The final stanza concludes the poem with a reflection on the speaker's life. The line, "And though the years have flown away," suggests that the speaker has lived a long life and has experienced the joys and sorrows that life has to offer.

Analysis of the Poem's Themes

The poem explores several themes, including love, choice, consequences, and time. The theme of love is prominent throughout the poem, with the speaker reflecting on the joy and pain that love has brought to his life. The theme of choice is also prevalent, with the speaker reflecting on the choices he has made in life and the consequences that they have had.

The theme of consequences is also explored in the poem, with the speaker reflecting on the price that comes with every choice. The theme of time is also significant, with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time and how it has impacted his life.

Interpretation of the Poem

"The Choice" is a poem that speaks to the human experience of making choices in life. The poem suggests that every choice we make comes with a price, and we must be willing to live with the consequences of our decisions. The poem also suggests that love is a powerful force that can bring both joy and pain to our lives.

The poem's melancholic tone suggests that the speaker has experienced the highs and lows of life and is reflecting on his choices and their consequences. The poem's structure and meter add to the complexity of the poem, making it challenging to read and interpret.

Overall, "The Choice" is a powerful poem that explores the human experience of making choices in life. It speaks to the importance of love, the consequences of our choices, and the passing of time. The poem's melancholic tone and structure make it a challenging but rewarding read, leaving the reader pondering its meaning long after they have turned the last page.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries, and it has been used to express a wide range of emotions and ideas. One of the most famous poems that have stood the test of time is "The Choice" by John Pomfret. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and the choices we make. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its meaning and significance.

"The Choice" is a poem that was written in the 18th century by John Pomfret, an English poet. The poem is a reflection on life and the choices we make. It is a powerful reminder that our choices have consequences, and we must be careful about the decisions we make. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different message.

The first stanza of the poem talks about the different paths we can take in life. It describes the various options we have and how each choice can lead us down a different path. The stanza begins with the line, "Of paths to choose, each traveller's free." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem and emphasizes the importance of choice. The stanza goes on to describe the different paths we can take, such as the path of wealth, fame, or pleasure. However, the poem warns us that these paths are not always what they seem. The path of wealth may lead to greed, the path of fame may lead to vanity, and the path of pleasure may lead to addiction. The stanza ends with the line, "But know, each choice the heart must guide." This line emphasizes the importance of following our hearts and making choices that align with our values and beliefs.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the consequences of our choices. It describes how our choices can shape our lives and the lives of those around us. The stanza begins with the line, "Each choice in life a different way." This line emphasizes the idea that every choice we make has a consequence. The stanza goes on to describe how our choices can affect our relationships, our happiness, and our future. The poem warns us that the choices we make today can have a lasting impact on our lives. The stanza ends with the line, "And every step some danger brings." This line reminds us that every choice we make comes with risks and challenges, and we must be prepared to face them.

The third stanza of the poem talks about the importance of making the right choice. It describes how the right choice can lead us to happiness and fulfillment, while the wrong choice can lead us to misery and regret. The stanza begins with the line, "Then wisely choose, and firm pursue." This line emphasizes the importance of making a wise choice and sticking to it. The stanza goes on to describe how the right choice can bring us joy and peace, while the wrong choice can bring us pain and sorrow. The poem encourages us to make choices that align with our values and beliefs and to pursue them with determination and courage. The stanza ends with the line, "For know, the right choice leads to bliss." This line reminds us that the right choice can lead us to a life of happiness and fulfillment.

In conclusion, "The Choice" by John Pomfret is a powerful poem that reminds us of the importance of choice in our lives. It emphasizes the idea that every choice we make has a consequence and that we must be careful about the decisions we make. The poem encourages us to follow our hearts and make choices that align with our values and beliefs. It also reminds us that the right choice can lead us to a life of happiness and fulfillment, while the wrong choice can lead us to misery and regret. This poem is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire and motivate people to make wise choices and pursue their dreams with determination and courage.

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