Quantum Mutata
Quantum Mutata - meaning Summary
England's Lost Public Virtue
The poem recalls a past when England acted for liberty abroad, invoking Cromwellian sympathy for Piedmont and diplomatic force against the Pope. It registers puzzlement and regret at a moral decline: luxury and commercialism now block the entrance of higher ideals and deeds. The speaker mourns the loss of a republican, Miltonic inheritance and asks how national character has been degraded from its earlier public virtues.
Read Complete AnalysesTHERE was a time in Europe long ago When no man died for freedom anywhere, But England's lion leaping from its lair Laid hands on the oppressor! it was so While England could a great Republic show. Witness the men of Piedmont, chiefest care Of Cromwell, when with impotent despair The Pontiff in his painted portico Trembled before our stern ambassadors. How comes it then that from such high estate We have thus fallen, save that Luxury With barren merchandise piles up the gate Where nobler thoughts and deeds should enter by: Else might we still be Milton's heritors.
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