Poem 543

by Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)


I fear a Man of frugal Speech —
I fear a Silent Man —
Haranguer — I can overtake —
Or Babbler — entertain —

But He who weigheth — While the Rest —
Expend their furthest pound —
Of this Man — I am wary —
I fear that He is Grand —

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Note: A harangue is a long, sometimes angry or insistent speech, usually trying to persuade someone. Tirade is a similar word.

Question to think about: Why should the man of "frugal Speech" be feared more than the angry haranguer?