This is a popular question. Most of the candidates were able to explain the theme of the poem. They were also able to highlight some of the difficulties experienced by the magi that led to their regret.
The requirements of the question include:

• Statement of the theme of the search for spiritual fulfilment in the course of life’s journey.

• Identification of the travellers: three men, - the magi decide to embark on a journey for spiritual fulfilment.

• The experiences in the course of the journey

• A long and tedious journey at worst time of the year “A cold…. worst time…sharp, deep winter”.
• The travellers’ camels become sore footed’ along the way.
• They meet with hostile, unfriendly cities where prices of items are exorbitant
• They continued amidst difficulties until they achieved their goal.
• The Magi now wish for another life.  

• Instances of Regret in the poem

• The unfriendly weather and time of the journey are causes for regret.
• The experience of the Magi with gamblers, bad women, and alcoholics makes them regret embarking on the journey.
• More importantly, the loud “voices singing in our ears, saying/That this was all folly” climaxes their regret.
• They wish that they hadn’t embarked on the journey in the first place.

• The evaluation/assessment of the journey: They return in doubt and regret, the determination of the Magi to arrive at their destination is worthy of emulation, fulfilment of one’s desires far outweighs the challenges, man will, no matter the regrettable experiences in life, continue to the quest for self-fulfilment.

Candidates’ performance in the question was good.