Though Narrow Be That Old Man's Cares
Though Narrow Be That Old Man's Cares - meaning Summary
Imagination Outlives Circumstance
The poem contrasts the old man’s modest outward circumstances with a vast inner life. Though his external cares are narrow, he rules a waking realm of imagination and perception, where ordinary walks yield “supernatural cheer.” He perceives uncanny visions—seven whistling birds and the sweep of Gabriel’s hounds—experiences that mix wonder and dread. The poem presents old age as inwardly expansive, attentive, and richly populated by visionary sounds and sights.
Read Complete AnalysesTHOUGH narrow be that old Man's cares, and near, The poor old Man is greater than he seems: For he hath waking empire, wide as dreams; An ample sovereignty of eye and ear. Rich are his walks with supernatural cheer; The region of his inner spirit teems With vital sounds and monitory gleams Of high astonishment and pleasing fear. He the seven birds hath seen, that never part, Seen the SEVEN WHISTLERS in their nightly rounds, And counted them: and oftentimes will start-- For overhead are sweeping GABRIEL'S HOUNDS Doomed, with their impious Lord, the flying Hart To chase for ever, on aerial grounds!
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