It Is Not to Be Thought of
It Is Not to Be Thought of - context Summary
Composed During National Crisis
Written in 1802 and published in 1807 as a sonnet in Poems, in Two Volumes, Wordsworth’s poem responds to a national crisis with emphatic patriotism. It insists British liberty must not be allowed to perish, invoking martial imagery and cultural lineage—Shakespeare and Milton—to claim moral and historical entitlement to freedom. The poem links collective identity, inherited virtues, and readiness to defend them against external threats during the Napoleonic era.
Read Complete AnalysesIt is not to be thought of that the Flood Of British freedom, which, to the open sea Of the world's praise, from dark antiquity Hath flowed, "with pomp of waters, unwithstood," Roused though it be full often to a mood Which spurns the check of salutary bands, That this most famous Stream in bogs and sands Should perish; and to evil and to good Be lost for ever. In our halls is hung Armoury of the invincible Knights of old: We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held.--In every thing we are sprung Of Earth's first blood, have titles manifold.
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