The two lines, “We slowly drove-he knew no haste and I had put away My labour and leisure too, for his civility,” present a deceptively simple tableau that, upon closer examination, unfolds into a profound meditation on time, human connection, and the very essence of being. Stripped of explicit narrative context, these words invite the reader into an intimate moment of shared experience, where external movement harmonizes with an internal shift, catalyzed by the presence and demeanor of another. They evoke a sense of unhurried tranquility, a deliberate suspension of the ordinary demands of existence, and a deep appreciation for a quality of interaction rarely found in the modern world.
At its core, the excerpt captures a moment of release and surrender. The speaker, through an encounter with an individual characterized by an inherent lack of urgency, achieves a state of profound inner peace, transcending even the conventional dichotomy of work and rest. This seemingly simple act of “putting away” both “labour” and “leisure” signifies a radical departure from the structured, goal-oriented rhythms of daily life, pointing towards a more fundamental mode of existence. The lines thus offer a quiet but powerful critique of a hurried world, simultaneously celebrating the transformative power of genuine human presence and courtesy.
Anatomy of Unhurried Motion and Presence
The opening phrase, “We slowly drove,” immediately establishes a tone of deliberate pace and shared experience. The verb “drove” suggests a journey, a movement through space, but the adverb “slowly” imbues this movement with a quality that transcends mere transportation. It implies a conscious rejection of speed, a willingness to linger, to observe, and to absorb the surroundings rather than rush through them. This slowness is not a lack of efficiency but an intentional choice, hinting at a journey that might be more experiential than destination-oriented. The collective “We” signifies a shared journey, an agreement in pace and intent between the speaker and the unnamed “he.” This shared rhythm is foundational to the subsequent internal transformation of the speaker.
The characterization of “he knew no haste” further elaborates on the nature of this unhurried experience. “He” is not merely driving slowly, but embodies a fundamental state of being free from urgency. This lack of haste is presented as an inherent quality, “he knew no haste,” rather than an external constraint or a temporary decision. It suggests a person who is at peace with time, perhaps even operating outside of its conventional pressures. This individual becomes a touchstone, a natural embodiment of tranquility that profoundly influences the environment and those around him. In a world often driven by deadlines, efficiency, and the constant pursuit of the next task, a person who “knew no haste” represents a rare and deeply impactful presence. Their very existence challenges the prevailing ethos of speed and productivity, inviting others into a different temporal reality.
The Radical Act of Relinquishment: "My Labour and Leisure Too"
The most striking and profound aspect of these lines lies in the speaker’s declaration: “I had put away My labour and leisure too.” This statement goes far beyond simply taking a break from work. The act of “putting away” signifies a deliberate, conscious relinquishment, a setting aside of categories that typically define and structure human existence. “My labour” refers to work, duties, responsibilities, and the various demands that occupy our productive hours. To put away labour is to step back from the burden of obligation, to momentarily cease the active engagement with tasks and goals. This is a common aspiration, the desire for respite from the daily grind.
However, the inclusion of “and leisure too” elevates this act of relinquishment to a far more radical and insightful level. Leisure, conventionally understood as time free from work, is often synonymous with rest, relaxation, and self-enjoyment. Why would one need to “put away” leisure? This seemingly paradoxical statement suggests that even leisure, in its modern interpretation, can become a form of obligation or a structured activity. We often “plan” our leisure, filling it with activities, hobbies, or entertainment, sometimes with the same underlying pressure to “make the most of it” or to “be productive” even in our rest. Modern society often prescribes how leisure should be spent, making it another form of a scheduled “doing” rather than a state of “being.”
By putting away “leisure too,” the speaker transcends this dichotomy entirely. It implies a state beyond both the demands of productivity and the pressures of structured recreation. This is not just a break from work, but a release from the very concept of scheduled time, from the need to do anything, even to enjoy anything in a prescribed way. It is a surrender to pure presence, an unfiltered experience of the moment, unburdened by expectations or self-imposed directives. This state of non-doing, of profound stillness, allows for a deeper form of rest that goes beyond physical recuperation – it is a mental and spiritual untethering from the incessant demands of self and society. It is the embrace of an unburdened, unfiltered existence, allowing for true spaciousness within the self.
The Catalyst of Civility: "For His Civility"
The pivotal phrase that explains this profound transformation is “for his civility.” “Civility” here means more than mere politeness or good manners; it encompasses a deeper respect, a genuine acknowledgment of the other person’s presence, and an inherent thoughtfulness that creates a space of ease and trust. The civility of “he” is not superficial; it is an intrinsic quality that projects calm, dignity, and a non-demanding atmosphere.
It is this profound civility that acts as the catalyst for the speaker’s radical act of relinquishment. The presence of someone who “knew no haste” and who embodied such inherent courtesy allowed the speaker to drop their guard, to let go of the internal pressures that typically govern their “labour” and “leisure.” In the presence of such grace, there is no need for performance, no need to maintain a persona, no need to be productive or even to be “resting” in a conventionally defined way. The civility creates a psychological safety net, a gentle invitation to simply be.
This suggests a powerful reciprocity in human interaction. The unhurried pace and innate civility of “he” did not impose anything on the speaker; rather, they enabled a state of freedom. The speaker felt so comfortable, so respected, and so unpressured by “his civility” that the usual internal mechanisms of worry, planning, and self-management could be entirely suspended. It speaks to the immense, often underestimated, power of human presence and respectful interaction to foster profound inner peace and liberation in others. It highlights how a simple, unassuming quality like civility can be a profound agent of transformation, creating an environment where authenticity and true repose become possible.
Themes and Philosophical Implications
The lines, though brief, resonate with several profound themes. The most apparent is the reimagining of time. The poem challenges the modern obsession with chronological, linear, and productive time. Instead, it advocates for a qualitative, experienced time – time savored, not just measured. The “slow drive” and “no haste” celebrate a slower rhythm, allowing for deeper engagement with the present moment, a concept central to mindfulness and various spiritual traditions. It suggests that true richness in life is found not in accumulating more moments, but in fully inhabiting the ones we have.
Closely linked is the theme of transcending the work-leisure dichotomy. The lines propose a state of being that is neither defined by effort (labour) nor by structured rest (leisure). This echoes philosophical ideas about “being” over “doing,” suggesting that our value and peace are not solely derived from our productivity or even our capacity for planned enjoyment. It points towards an existence free from the performance principle that often governs both work and leisure, where one can simply exist without external or internal demands. This state might be akin to contemplation, meditation, or simply an unadulterated state of presence.
The power of human connection and empathy is another crucial theme. The transformative experience of the speaker is entirely dependent on the presence and character of “he.” It underscores how respectful, unhurried, and genuinely civil human interaction can create an environment conducive to profound inner peace and liberation. It speaks to the idea that our well-being is deeply intertwined with the quality of our relationships and the atmospheres they create. The “he” acts as a silent guide, a gentle catalyst, whose mere being allows the “I” to shed burdens.
Furthermore, the lines touch upon the search for authentic rest and peace. In a society where even relaxation is often commodified or scheduled, the poem suggests that true rest comes not from external activities but from an internal state of surrender, fostered by a conducive environment and genuine human connection. It implies that the deepest forms of peace are found when we let go of all our self-imposed structures and simply allow ourselves to be. This is a peace that transcends the mere absence of activity; it is an active state of non-doing, a profound state of receptive presence.
Literary Devices and Poetic Craft
The poem’s conciseness belies its rich use of literary devices. The word choice is precise and evocative. “Slowly” immediately sets the pace and tone. “Haste” defines the antithesis of the prevailing mood. “Put away” is a simple but powerful verb, suggesting deliberate action and finality in relinquishing burdens. “Labour” and “leisure” are loaded terms, representing the two poles of human activity. “Civility” captures the profound respect and grace that enables the speaker’s transformation.
The syntax is straightforward and declarative, contributing to the sense of calm and clarity. The use of enjambment across the lines “I had put away / My labour and leisure too, for his civility” subtly links the speaker’s relinquishment directly to the cause, emphasizing the immediate connection between the “he’s” quality and the speaker’s internal state. It draws the reader’s eye and thought forward, mirroring the continuous flow of the experience.
The tone of the lines is one of profound tranquility, reflection, and quiet appreciation. There is no urgency, no conflict, only a peaceful observation of an internal and external harmony. The language is simple, yet profound, allowing for multiple layers of interpretation without becoming obscure. The imagery, though minimal, is effective: the “driving” evokes a sense of journey and movement through a landscape, whether literal or metaphorical, through life itself. The implied landscape is one of calm, perhaps even introspection, aligning with the internal state of the speaker.
The absence of specific names, places, or detailed plot points lends the lines a universal quality. “We,” “he,” “I” become archetypes, allowing readers to project themselves into the experience and relate it to their own lives. This universality amplifies the poem’s message, making it a timeless reflection on the nature of human connection and inner peace. It transforms a specific moment into a broadly applicable insight about the conditions necessary for true rest and presence.
Conclusion
The lines “We slowly drove-he knew no haste and I had put away My labour and leisure too, for his civility” distill a deeply profound human experience into a compact poetic form. They capture a moment of perfect alignment: an unhurried external journey harmonizing with an internal liberation. The central insight lies in the speaker’s ability to transcend the conventional categories of “labour” and “leisure,” achieving a state of pure, unburdened presence, a radical act in a world often defined by productivity and scheduled activity.
This remarkable transformation is directly attributed to the “civility” of the other person, highlighting the immense, often understated, power of genuine human presence, respect, and a lack of imposing haste. It suggests that true peace and the ability to shed the burdens of daily existence are not always found through isolated introspection or planned breaks, but often emerge organically from the quality of our interactions and the environments fostered by empathetic human connection. The “he” serves as a gentle catalyst, whose very being creates a space of trust and ease, allowing the “I” to let go of all self-imposed structures.
Ultimately, these lines are a quiet testament to the enduring value of slowness, authenticity, and profound human dignity. They invite reflection on how we navigate our own lives, urging us to consider the quality of our time, the nature of our rest, and the transformative impact we can have on one another through simple, unhurried presence and genuine courtesy. They offer a vision of existence where the boundaries between work and rest dissolve, yielding to a deeper, more unified state of being, where true tranquility can flourish.