Lay of the Last Minstrel - Canto 4
Lay of the Last Minstrel - Canto 4 - meaning Summary
Patriotism and Native Belonging
Scott asserts that true human vitality includes a passionate attachment to one’s native land. He argues that a person who feels no pride or longing for home, regardless of rank or wealth, is spiritually dead and forfeits honor. Such a person, concentrated only on self, will be remembered with contempt rather than song. The stanza links patriotism with moral worth and social remembrance.
Read Complete AnalysesBreathes there the man, with soul so dead, Who never to himself hath said, This is my own, my native land! Whose heart hath ne'er within him burn'd, As home his footsteps he hath turn'd From wandering on a foreign strand! If such there breathe, go, mark him well; For him no Minstrel raptures swell; High though his titles, proud his name, Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;— Despite those titles, power, and pelf, The wretch, concentred all in self, Living, shall forfeit fair renown, And, doubly dying, shall go down To the vile dust, from whence he sprung, Unwept, unhonour'd, and unsung.
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