Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Response to Truth

Flee from the press, and dwell in truthfulness, (Assonance)
Let your fortunes suffice, though they be small;
For hoarding breeds hate, and status ambiguousness.
The mob’s filled with envy and blinded by wealth overall.
Desire only things which meet needs most crucial.
Control yourself well, if you’d be others’ gauge;
And the Truth shall you deliver, of that be not afraid.

Haste not to redress all crookedness
Placing trust in her who turns like a ball.
Great good comes from spurning busy-;
Beware then, not to kick against an awl;
Don’t strive like a crock against a wall.
To subdue others' deeds, you must yourself first tame,
And the Truth shall you deliver, of that be not afraid.

That which you’re sent, receive in humbleness;
Wrestling after this World is just begging for a fall.
This is no Home. It’s naught but Wilderness.
Forth, Pilgrim, forth! Forth, beast, out of your stall! (Repetition)
Know your true country! Look up! Thank God for all!
Let your spirit lead, and hold to the High Way,
And the Truth shall you deliver, of that be not afraid.

Essentially what Chaucer is saying in this poem is that if you live life as the universe gives it to you and don’t try and live beyond your means than you will live a good life. It was loved because in this time period people loved poems that had wise meanings or advice. And this one could be no wiser or more advice giving.

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