Question

i have something to expiate explain
snake

Answer 1

the poet realizes that he has sinned by throwing a log of wood at the snake. the snake was his guest and sought hospitality. he has to atone for his pettiness. he can do so only by 'crowning him again' which is his due now. he has missed a chance with one of the lords of life but will not do so again.

Answer 2

The speaker had thrown a log on a harmless snake which he thought as a representative of god and nature. He immediately felt guilty and regretted his actions. Thus, the author says "i have something to expiate" meaning he had to compensate for the wrong doing.