describe the poets feeling and action as he watched the snake. Drinking from water trough
Answers
It's clear from the poem that initially, the poet was neither frightened nor disgusted by the sight of the snake. Rather he was fascinated and mesmerized. He intended on waiting, and observed the snakes lucid, lazy but 'godly' movements.
Soon enough, he was throbbed by the voice of his education, urging him to slay the snake, were he a man. He debates over his hesitance to kill- was he foolish? was he a coward? was he being modest or just unreasonable? Whatsoever, he confessed that he liked the snake.
In this dilemma between heart and education, he is both afraid and honored. However, in the end, as the snake begins to peacefully depart, he picks up a 'clumsy' log and throws it at it...regretting it immediately. He considered his action 'mean' and 'vulgar' and cursed his education. He finally compares himself to the ancient mariner who slayed an albatross for no good reason and brought misery upon himself, living the rest of his life in guilt and regret.