"The Choice, II" (A Poem)

Originally published in his 1870 Poems and reprinted in his 1881 The House of Life, Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s “The Choice” is a collection of three sonnets which explore the pursuits of human life in relation to the finality of death. While some literary scholars read the trilogy as one cohesive unit, others read each poem as a separate piece which provides its own unique perspective.[1] Here, we will conduct a hybrid of both techniques, presenting each sonnet as its own distinct entry over the next three month, but acknowledging their united nature. The first sonnet, which was featured last month, critiques humanity’s futile quest for physical enjoyment. The second sonnet, printed below, comments on mankind’s religious asceticism. The third sonnet, which will be featured next month, completes the narrative by discussing human self-development.

Watch thou and fear; to-morrow thou shalt die.

Or art thou sure thou shalt have time for death?

Is not the day which God’s word promiseth

To come man knows not when? In yonder sky,

Now while we speak, the sun speeds forth: can I

Or thou assure him of his goal? God’s breath

Even at the moment haply quickeneth

The air to a flame; till spirits, always nigh

Though screened and hid, shall walk the daylight here.

And dost thou prate of all that man shall do?

Canst thou, who hast but plagues, presume to be

Glad in his gladness that comes after thee?

Will his strength slay thy worm in Hell? Go to:

Cover thy countenance, and watch, and fear.[2]

Works Referenced

Rossetti, Dante Gabriel. “The Choice, I.” The House of Life: A Sonnet Sequence. 1881. Portland, ME: Thomas B. Mosher, 1903. 75.

Rossetti, William Michael, ed. The Poems of Dante Gabriel Rossetti with Illustrations from His Own Pictures and Designs. London: Ellis and Elvey, 1904.

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[1] W. Rossetti, 237-238.

[2] D. Rossetti, 75.