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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


THE CHOICE by NAHUM TATE

Poet Analysis

First Line: GRANT ME, INDULGENT HEAVEN! A RURAL SEAT
Last Line: FROM SILENT LIFE, I'D STEAL INTO MY GRAVE!
Subject(s): QUIET LIFE;

GRANT me, indulgent Heaven! a rural seat,
Rather contemptible than great!
Where, though I taste Life's sweets, still I may be
Athirst for Immortality!
I would have business; but exempt from strife!
A private, but an active, life!
A Conscience bold, and punctual to his charge!
My stock of Health; or Patience large!
Some books I'd have, and some acquaintance too;
But very good, and very few!
Then (if one mortal two such grants may crave!)
From silent life, I'd steal into my grave!



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