We have changed our privacy policy. In addition, we use cookies on our website for various purposes. By continuing on our website, you consent to our use of cookies. You can learn about our practices by reading our privacy policy.

London, 1802 Morality and Ethics Quotes

How we cite our quotes: Line

Quote #1

England hath need of thee: she is a fen
Of stagnant waters (1-2)

This is pretty clear: any comparison to a swampland full of fetid, gross water is never a good thing. England is in a foul state of moral corruption, according to Wordsworth.

Quote #2

We are selfish men;
Oh! Raise us up, return to us again;
And give us manners, virtue, freedom, power. (6-8)

Hmm…very interesting. The fact that Wordsworth lumps "manners, virtue, freedom, and power" together indicates the relationship between morality and success – a healthy nation achieves things like "freedom and power" through being kind and virtuous.

Quote #3

Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart (9)

…dwelt apart in a better place, that is. Milton's moral superiority set him apart from the rest of the flawed mass of humanity.