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Hast thou named all the birds without a gun?
Loved the wood-rose, and left it on its stalk?
At rich men’s tables eaten bread and pulse?
Unarmed, faced danger with a heart of trust?
And loved so well a high behavior,
In man or maid, that thou from speech refrained,
Nobility more nobly to repay?
Oh, be my friend, and teach me to be thine!
( Ralph Waldo Emerson )
Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) was a native of Boston, born not far from Franklin’s birthplace; and he lived most of his life in Concord, near Boston. Emerson was a quiet boy, but that he had high ambitions and sturdy determination is shown by the fact that he worked his way through college.He is best known for his essays, full of noble ideas which won for him the title “Sage of Concord.” As a poet, he was not particular about meter, making his lines often purposely rugged but always full of thought. His poems of nature are as clear-cut and vivid as snapshots.
forbearance : able to be patient
pulse : heart rate
Answer the following questions.
1) Which of the five examples of forbearance do you think is most difficul to practice?
2) Why should we protect birds and flowers
3) What two words are sharply contrasted in the second line?
4) Does the poet possess all the qualities? How do you know?
5) How does he express his admiration for the person who does possess them?