The Corsair: to a Lady Weeping
The Corsair: to a Lady Weeping - meaning Summary
Tears as Public Redemption
The speaker addresses a royal daughter whose father has brought disgrace, framing her weeping as morally valuable and politically significant. Her tears are called "Virtue's tears" that might atone for a ruler's fault and help heal a suffering nation. The poem links private sorrow to public restoration, hoping that her present grief will be repaid by future popular approval and the realm's recovery.
Read Complete AnalysesWeep, daughter of a royal line, A Sire's disgrace, a realm's decay; Ah, happy! if each tear of thine Could wash a father's fault away! Weep—for thy tears are Virtue's tears— Auspicious to these suffering isles; And be each drop in future years Repaid thee by thy people's smiles!
March, 1812.
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