The meaning of the expression, Ere slumber's chain has bound me is

Analyze the question: You are asked for the meaning of the line "Ere slumber's chain has bound me." This is from the poem "Ere slumber's chain has bound me" (a hymn-like poem often cited in WASSCE literature).

Explain the concept: The key word is "ere." It is an archaic (old-fashioned) English word meaning "before." Poets often use words like ere, thee, thou, and hath, so learning them helps in the poetry section.

Other important words in the line:

• Slumber = sleep
• Chain has bound me = sleep has tied me down, that is, I have fallen asleep

Step-by-step solution:

1. "Ere" = before
2. "Slumber's chain has bound me" = sleep has taken hold of me, so I am asleep
3. Put together: "Before sleep has taken hold of me" = before I sleep

Checking the options:

• A. After I wake up: wrong, since "ere" means before, not after, and the line is about falling asleep, not waking.
• B. Before I sleep: correct.
• C. Before I dream: dreaming is not mentioned.
• D. Since I cannot sleep: "ere" does not mean "since," and the line does not say sleep is impossible.

**Answer: B. Before I sleep.

Tip: In archaic poetry, remember that ere = before. Whenever you see "ere," replace it with "before" and the line usually becomes clear. Also notice "chain" is a metaphor, so sleep is pictured as something that holds a person.