Kind pity chokes my spleen; brave scorn forbids by John Donne (Poem, Summary, Paraphrase, Analysis & Questions)

 

Kind pity chokes my spleen; brave scorn forbids

by John Donne

(Poem, Summary, Paraphrase, Analysis & Questions) 

Kind pity chokes my spleen; brave scorn forbids

Kind pity chokes my spleen; brave scorn forbids

Those tears to issue which swell my eyelids;

I must not laugh, nor weep sins and be wise;

Can railing, then, cure these worn maladies?

Is not our mistress, fair Religion,

As worthy of all our souls' devotion

As virtue was in the first blinded age?

Are not heaven's joys as valiant to assuage

Lusts, as earth's honour was to them? Alas,

As we do them in means, shall they surpass

Us in the end? and shall thy father's spirit

Meet blind philosophers in heaven, whose merit

Of strict life may be imputed faith, and hear

Thee, whom he taught so easy ways and near

To follow, damned? O if thou dar'st, fear this:

This fear great courage and high valour is.

Dar'st thou aid mutinous Dutch, and dar'st thou lay

Thee in ships' wooden sepulchres, a prey

To leaders' rage, to storms, to shot, to dearth?

Dar'st thou dive seas, and dungeons of the earth?

Hast thou courage to beard the lion's rage?

And is thy soul so quench’d with feeble age

Of holy cowardice, that thou darest not shake

All the swords of the mass, or thunders break

Of politic curses? Dare thou leave the great

New-fashioned synod, that allows no seat

For God, and whose pale cheats, with mutinous

Boldness, take arms against omnipotent laws?

Dare thou smile bravely in the world's face, and say

This, my soul’s country is not yours, but they

Which dare be of my religion, even when

It cost them dear? Of such a heavenly men

Thou art, and if thou dar’st, then be not slack

In boldly venturing upon that track

Thy predecessors in faith so nobly trod.

For if thou wouldst find truth, seek it in God.

There thou shalt find it, held forth in a way

Plain, easy, short, and perfect for a day.

But stay not there, ascend to conscience,

Which is not blood, nor fashion, nor pretence,

Nor popular noise, nor state’s politic voice;

It is not reason, nor the choice

Of two disputing schools; but it is a spark

Of the eternal light, a beam most dark,

And yet so clear, by which all things are tried:

Truth is its object, and of truth the guide.

So deep a foundation, and so sure,

This little cell holds, built to endure

Storms of vain sophistry and error’s waves,

And with firm foot the rolling world outbraves.

 

Summary

Opening Emotional Conflict

The speaker begins by expressing emotional turmoil. He feels overwhelmed by pity when he sees the state of the world, especially its spiritual confusion, but he’s also held back by scorn—he refuses to break down emotionally. He cannot allow himself to either laugh at or cry over people's sins, as neither response seems wise or helpful.

Religion vs. Hypocrisy

He wonders if criticizing people ("railing") will fix their deep spiritual problems. Then he asks: Isn’t true religion worthy of our full dedication, just as ancient people once valued virtue? Aren’t the eternal joys of heaven just as motivating for good behavior as worldly honors once were?

Condemnation and Personal Responsibility

The speaker poses a dramatic question: will our ancestors, who may have been misled in their beliefs but lived strict, moral lives, be saved—and we, who were taught the truth but don’t live it, be damned? He urges the listener to fear damnation—this kind of fear, he says, shows real courage.

True Courage Defined

Donne challenges the listener: you dare to risk your life in war, in stormy seas, in mines underground—so why are you afraid to seek religious truth and stand up to falsehood in the Church? He says it takes more courage to pursue spiritual truth and defy widespread corruption and errors in religion than to face physical danger.

Critique of Religious and Political Corruption

He attacks those religious authorities (especially the "new synod") who have no real place for God and instead use religion for political ends. He accuses them of hypocrisy and daring to act against divine laws.

Call to Bold Faith

The speaker urges the listener to boldly declare their true spiritual identity—even when the world disagrees. He praises those who are willing to suffer for their beliefs, even if it costs them their lives or status.

How to Seek Truth

Donne advises: if you want to find truth, start with God. God shows the truth plainly, in a way that's simple and direct enough for even a single day’s journey.

True Conscience

But don’t stop there. Go further: look within to conscience, which is not shaped by emotion, fashion, public opinion, politics, or philosophical debate. It is something higher—a spark of eternal truth, guiding a person to distinguish right from wrong.

Enduring Truth

He ends by describing conscience as a strong foundation—solid enough to withstand arguments, lies, and shifting beliefs. It can outlast worldly instability and lead the soul safely to truth.

 

Line-by-line Paraphrase

1. Kind pity chokes my spleen; brave scorn forbids

I feel such deep pity it overwhelms me, but my strong sense of scorn won’t let me express it.

 

2. Those tears to issue which swell my eyelids;

Tears are building up in my eyes, but I can’t let them fall.

 

3. I must not laugh, nor weep sins and be wise;

Laughing or crying over sin isn’t the wise or right response.

 

4. Can railing, then, cure these worn maladies?

So then, can ranting or scolding fix these long-standing spiritual diseases?

 

5. Is not our mistress, fair Religion,

Isn’t Religion, our guide and beloved,

 

6. As worthy of all our souls' devotion

Deserving of our complete and sincere commitment

 

7. As virtue was in the first blinded age?

Just like virtue was in the ancient times, even when people lacked true understanding?

 

8. Are not heaven's joys as valiant to assuage

Aren’t the joys of heaven just as powerful in calming and guiding us

 

9. Lusts, as earth's honour was to them?

As worldly honors used to be in restraining people’s lusts?

 

10. Alas, as we do them in means, shall they surpass

Sadly, if we have better access to truth, should they still surpass us

 

11. Us in the end? and shall thy father's spirit

In the final judgment? Will your father’s soul,

 

12. Meet blind philosophers in heaven, whose merit

Join blind philosophers in heaven—those who lived strictly and morally,

 

13. Of strict life may be imputed faith, and hear

And whose disciplined lives might be counted as faith—

 

14. Thee, whom he taught so easy ways and near

And hear that you, whom he taught the clear and easy way,

 

15. To follow, damned? O if thou dar'st, fear this:

Have been damned? If you have the courage, then fear this possibility.

 

16. This fear great courage and high valour is.

To fear this shows true courage and deep strength.

 

17. Dar’st thou aid mutinous Dutch, and dar’st thou lay

Do you dare fight in Dutch wars, and risk your life

 

18. Thee in ships’ wooden sepulchres, a prey

By lying in wooden coffins (ships), where you’re vulnerable

 

19. To leaders’ rage, to storms, to shot, to dearth?

To commanders’ fury, storms, gunfire, and starvation?

 

20. Dar’st thou dive seas, and dungeons of the earth?

Do you dare dive into the sea or deep underground mines?

 

21. Hast thou courage to beard the lion’s rage?

Do you have the courage to confront a roaring lion?

 

22. And is thy soul so quench’d with feeble age

Then is your soul so weak and cold with cowardice

 

23. Of holy cowardice, that thou dar’st not shake

That you don’t dare challenge

 

24. All the swords of the mass, or thunders break

The weapons of false religion or resist its loud condemnations?

 

25. Of politic curses? Dare thou leave the great

Or its politically motivated curses? Do you dare turn away from

 

26. New-fashioned synod, that allows no seat

The newly formed council (church leadership) that leaves no room

 

27. For God, and whose pale cheats, with mutinous

For God Himself, and whose pale, deceitful members rebelliously

 

28. Boldness, take arms against omnipotent laws?

Challenge and defy God’s eternal laws?

 

29. Dare thou smile bravely in the world’s face, and say

Do you dare confidently face the world and say,

 

30. This, my soul’s country is not yours, but they

“This world is not my soul’s home; I belong with

 

31. Which dare be of my religion, even when

Those who have the courage to follow true faith,

 

32. It cost them dear? Of such a heavenly men

Even when it costs them greatly? Only such heavenly people

 

33. Thou art, and if thou dar’st, then be not slack

Are truly faithful—and if you want to be one, don’t hesitate

 

34. In boldly venturing upon that track

To courageously follow their path

 

35. Thy predecessors in faith so nobly trod.

That your faithful ancestors walked with honor.

 

36. For if thou wouldst find truth, seek it in God.

If you want to find truth, seek it directly from God.

 

37. There thou shalt find it, held forth in a way

There, you’ll find truth clearly presented

 

38. Plain, easy, short, and perfect for a day.

In a plain, simple, and complete form—enough for each day’s journey.

 

39. But stay not there, ascend to conscience,

But don’t stop at outer religion—rise higher, to your conscience,

 

40. Which is not blood, nor fashion, nor pretence,

Which is not shaped by family, trends, or pretense,

 

41. Nor popular noise, nor state’s politic voice;

Nor by public opinion or political authorities;

 

42. It is not reason, nor the choice

It’s not just logic or the choice

 

43. Of two disputing schools; but it is a spark

Between schools of thought; it’s a divine spark

 

44. Of the eternal light, a beam most dark,

From eternal light, though hard to see clearly

 

45. And yet so clear, by which all things are tried:

Yet clear enough to test and judge everything rightly.

 

46. Truth is its object, and of truth the guide.

Its purpose is truth, and it leads toward truth.

 

47. So deep a foundation, and so sure,

It’s a deep, secure foundation

 

48. This little cell holds, built to endure

That the human soul (or conscience), though small, contains—and it’s built to last

 

49. Storms of vain sophistry and error’s waves,

Through all the storms of false arguments and waves of error,

 

50. And with firm foot the rolling world outbraves.

And with steady footing, it stands strong against the ever-changing world.

 

Analysis in Detail

1. Tone and Opening Conflict:

The poem opens with emotional tension and inner conflict. Donne declares that pity chokes him and scorn stops his tears. This reflects the poet's simultaneous compassion and frustration over the spiritual and moral confusion he sees around him. Rather than weep or laugh at the foolishness of men, he wants to address it seriously and thoughtfully.

The tone is moralistic and confrontational, yet philosophical and earnest. Donne doesn’t attack from superiority but from a deep concern for truth and salvation.

 

2. The Search for Religious Truth:

Donne asks, essentially: “Is true religion not as noble and worthy as the ancient virtues?” He critiques the complacency and laziness of people in matters of faith. Although they live in a time when divine truth is more accessible, they often ignore it.

He contrasts their spiritual cowardice with the bravery shown in worldly risks—like going to war or diving into the sea. If people risk life for honor or wealth, why do they fear questioning false religion or standing for truth?

 

3. Satirical Targets – Hypocrisy and Corrupt Religion:

Donne attacks the religious leaders and political theologians of his time, especially the “new-fashioned synod.” He criticizes these councils for being hollow, Godless, and focused more on power and control than on spiritual guidance.

He condemns the superficial religiosity, sectarianism, and political manipulation of faith, where religion becomes a tool for dominance rather than a path to salvation.

 

4. Personal Responsibility and Conscience:

Donne challenges the reader directly, asking whether they are truly seeking truth—or merely following the easiest, most socially accepted belief system.

He urges individuals to rise above public opinion, cultural fashion, and sectarian bias. Instead, he directs them toward God and then to something even deeper—conscience.

Here, Donne introduces one of the most profound themes of the poem:

Conscience as the guide to truth.

He defines conscience not as emotion, reason, politics, or popularity—but as a divine spark, a personal connection to eternal truth. This inner voice is the only reliable compass in a world full of deception.

 

5. Conscience vs. External Authority:

Donne’s elevation of conscience over external authorities (church councils, public opinion, reason, philosophy) was radical for his time. It reveals his proto-modern understanding of individual responsibility in matters of faith.

This idea is not anti-Church but anti-corruption. He sees that institutions can err, but the inner conscience—when aligned with God—can withstand even the “storms of vain sophistry” and “error’s waves.”

 

6. Courage as a Spiritual Virtue:

Throughout the poem, courage emerges as a key virtue—not the courage of battle, but the bravery to stand alone in the pursuit of truth.

Donne respects those who suffer for their faith, even at great cost. His message is:

If you truly want to be saved, you must be brave enough to search, suffer, and stand for truth, even if the world is against you.

 

7. Structure and Style:

The poem is written in rhymed couplets, but its syntax is complex, full of questions, interruptions, and direct address. This reflects the passionate urgency of Donne’s appeal.

His style mixes:

Satire (mocking false religion),

Sermon-like exhortation (urging repentance and truth),

Philosophical meditation (on conscience and truth),

And poetic eloquence (in his metaphors and images).

 

8. Imagery and Metaphors:

“Wooden sepulchres” (ships): Evokes the image of risking death in pursuit of earthly aims.

“Thunders of politic curses”: Suggests the intimidating power of church authorities.

“Spark of the eternal light”: A beautiful metaphor for conscience as divine illumination.

“Rolling world”: The unstable, shifting nature of worldly values, contrasted with the fixed truth in conscience.

 

Conclusion of the Analysis:

John Donne’s Satire III is a bold, intellectual, and spiritually charged poem that challenges both religious authorities and individuals. It defends the pursuit of truth as a moral duty and exalts the inner conscience as the best guide through the confusion of divided doctrines and corrupt leadership.

Rather than prescribing a specific theology, Donne promotes a deeply personal, courageous, and sincere quest for truth, rooted in faith, conscience, and divine guidance.

 

Possible Exam Questions

What is the opening line of Satire III by John Donne?

 

Which two emotions does Donne describe in the first line of the poem?

 

Who or what is referred to as “our mistress” in the poem?

 

According to Donne, what is the only reliable guide to truth?

 

What does Donne mean by “wooden sepulchres”?

 

List any two things that Donne says conscience is not.

 

What does Donne urge the reader to seek if they wish to find truth?

 

What is the tone of Satire III? (Give one word)

 

Mention any two dangers people are willing to face, as listed by Donne.

 

Who are criticized in Donne’s mention of the “new-fashioned synod”?

 

Explain how Donne contrasts physical courage with spiritual courage in Satire III.

 

Discuss Donne’s view of conscience as presented in Satire III.

 

What criticism does Donne level against religious authorities in Satire III?

 

Describe how Donne encourages individual responsibility in the search for religious truth.

 

How does Donne use imagery to reinforce his themes in Satire III?

 

What role does fear play in the spiritual journey according to Satire III?

 

Discuss the structure and style of Donne’s Satire III. How do they support the poem’s message?

 

Examine Donne’s argument in Satire III about the corruption of religion and the need to seek personal truth.

 

In Satire III, Donne writes: “Truth is its object, and of truth the guide.” Discuss how this line sums up the poem’s central message.

 

Analyze how Donne balances satire with spiritual earnestness in Satire III.

 

Discuss the relevance of Satire III in today’s context of religious divisions and moral confusion.

 

Compare Satire III to any other religious or philosophical poem that promotes individual search for truth.