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No better thing we know,
No dearer gem we owe,
For all that we possess:
Pearls, stones of great finesse,
High offices and power finesse: quality
bleak: depressing
awaiteth: (archaic) awaits
thee: (archaic) you
– One may enjoy this hour – perish: to spoil
cherish: to love
And so the gifts of youth,
And beauty are, in truth,
Good things, but only when
Our health is with us then.
For when the body’s weak,
The world around is bleak.
O jewel dear, my home
Awaiteth thee to come;
With thee it shall not perish.
‘Tis all for thee to cherish.
— Jan Kochanowski
About the Poet
Jan Kochanowski (1530-1584) was born in Sycyna, Poland during the ‘Golden Age’. At the age of fourteen he
began his studies at Cracow Academy. Here he also began his first ventures into writing poetry—particularly
poetry in Latin, which was the academic language of the time. During his travels across Europe, he continued
to compose poems—many in his native Polish language. Of these, the hymn ‘Czego chcesz od nas Panie za
twe hojne dary’ (What Wilt Thou from Us, O Lord For Thy Generous Gifts) remains the most popular, even
receiving a number of musical settings.
Read the poem silently once again and select the statements that are False.
The poem emphasises the importance of good health over wealth.
It suggests that people only appreciate the value of health when they become ill.
The poet expresses the desire for everlasting youth.
Health is portrayed as a more precious possession than pearls or gemstones.
Health can be gained if one is wealthy and has power.
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