Get out the microscope, because we’re going through this poem line-by-line.
Lines 37-38
Then read from the treasured volume
The poem of thy choice,
- Finally, though, after all these instructions, the speaker is going to let his reader pick "the poem of thy choice." The reader is supposed to select that poem from a "treasured volume."
- Remember that "The Day is Done" poem is the preface to an anthology of poems by other authors (see "In a Nutshell"). We think that Longfellow is hoping his anthology will become a "treasured volume" full of soothing poems. He's inviting us, his readers, to read aloud from his book.
Lines 39-40
And lend to the rhyme of the poet
The beauty of thy voice.
- The reader and the poet team up to make the poem a soothing cure for all of our troubles. When you read aloud, the "beauty of thy voice" blends with the poem's rhythm and "rhyme" to make beautiful music.
- We kind of love that image, but you've probably already guessed that we are giant poetry dorks.