How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
Only let me make my life simple and straight,
like a flute of reed for thee to fill with music (8-9)
In comparing himself to a flute here, the speaker represents himself as an instrument that is manipulated by the divine. The speaker makes it sound as though he himself has no power to make music (or poetry)—only the divine does. By emphasizing his own powerlessness, the speaker's words reflect humility.