As Lords Their Labourers' Hire Delay
As Lords Their Labourers' Hire Delay - meaning Summary
Hope as Deferred Payment
Scott likens hope to wages promised by a lord who delays payment: fate offers a future reward that may not match present needs but still acknowledges an obligation. The poem counsels endurance and trust in that deferred recompense. It frames despair as both a betrayal of fellow humans and an affront to the divine, urging the reader to hold to the pledge of future return rather than abandon effort or faith.
Read Complete AnalysesAs lords their labourers' hire delay, Fate quits our toil with hopes to come, Which, if far short of present pay, Still, owns a debt and names a sum. Quit not the pledge, frail sufferer, then, Although a distant date be given; Despair is treason towards man, And blasphemy to Heaven.
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