I'll give my jewels for a set of beads, My gorgeous palace…
“I'll give my jewels for a set of beads, My gorgeous palace for a hermitage, My gay apparel for an almsman's gown, My figured goblets for a dish of wood, My scepter for a palmer's walking staff My subjects for a pair of carved saints and my large kingdom for a little grave.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
True wealth lies in humility and simple devotion, not in material riches or power.
In simple terms: Riches are less valuable than humility and devotion.
Value humility over material wealth.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- renunciation
- spiritual pursuits
- life priorities
- philosophical
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What would you give up for spiritual peace?
- Can material comfort coexist with humility?
Renunciation may be impractical for survival.