WOULDST thou be free? I think it not, indeed; But if thou wouldst, attend this simple rede: When quite contented thou canst dine at home And drink a small wine of the march of Rome; When thou canst see unmoved thy neighbour's plate, And wear thy threadbare toga in the gate; When thou hast learned to love a small abode, And not to choose a mistress @3a la mode:@1 When thus contained and bridled thou shalt be, Then, Maximus, then first shalt thou be free. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...AT SAGAMORE HILL by EDGAR LEE MASTERS ON MY THIRTY-THIRD BIRTHDAY by GEORGE GORDON BYRON THE JOYS OF THE ROAD by BLISS CARMAN NATURE (2) by RALPH WALDO EMERSON THE SHEPHEARDES CALENDER: JULY by EDMUND SPENSER COMFORT by RUTH FITCH BARTLETT |