I Never Told the Buried Gold
poem 11
I Never Told the Buried Gold - meaning Summary
Secret, Treasure, and Choice
The poem uses the image of newly unearthed treasure to dramatize a speaker’s private discovery and ensuing dilemma. Having found something dazzling and perilous, the speaker weighs whether to keep the secret, share it, or risk betrayal. The tone mixes wonder, fear, and wit as the speaker imagines consequences, invokes a cunning adviser, and finally leaves the outcome to fate (Atropos). It reads as a compact meditation on possession and disclosure.
Read Complete AnalysesI never told the buried gold Upon the hill that lies I saw the sun his plunder done Crouch low to guard his prize. He stood as near As stood you here A pace had been between Did but a snake bisect the brake My life had forfeit been. That was a wondrous booty I hope ’twas honest gained. Those were the fairest ingots That ever kissed the spade! Whether to keep the secret Whether to reveal Whether as I ponder Kidd will sudden sail Could a shrewd advise me We might e’en divide Should a shrewd betray me Atropos decide!
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