I Play at Riches to Appease
poem 801
I Play at Riches to Appease - meaning Summary
Playing at Imagined Riches
The poem describes a speaker who 'plays at riches' to quiet longing and prevent moral lapse. By imagining wealth the speaker resists temptation and reframes poverty as a companion that teaches and questions. The speaker wonders whether lacking or possessing best refines character, and whether desire or fulfillment is more beautiful. The tone is reflective and paradoxical, treating poverty not only as deprivation but as a moral and imaginative resource.
Read Complete AnalysesI play at Riches to appease The Clamoring for Gold It kept me from a Thief, I think, For often, overbold With Want, and Opportunity I could have done a Sin And been Myself that easy Thing An independent Man But often as my lot displays Too hungry to be borne I deem Myself what I would be And novel Comforting My Poverty and I derive We question if the Man Who own Esteem the Opulence As We Who never Can Should ever these exploring Hands Chance Sovereign on a Mine Or in the long uneven term To win, become their turn How fitter they will be for Want Enlightening so well I know not which, Desire, or Grant Be wholly beautiful
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