To the Men of Kent
To the Men of Kent - context Summary
Composed During French Threat
Written as a patriotic exhortation during the French Revolutionary Wars, the poem rallies the men of Kent to defend Britain against possible French invasion. Wordsworth invokes local pride and historical precedent, recalling past martial valor and the defense of rights, and frames resistance as a collective national duty. The poem’s urgent, martial language presses an uncompromising choice: unity in defense, culminating in the stark slogan of victory or death.
Read Complete AnalysesVANGUARD of Liberty, ye men of Kent, Ye children of a Soil that doth advance Her haughty brow against the coast of France, Now is the time to prove your hardiment! To France be words of invitation sent! They from their fields can see the countenance Of your fierce war, may ken the glittering lance And hear you shouting forth your brave intent. Left single, in bold parley, ye, of yore, Did from the Norman win a gallant wreath; Confirmed the charters that were yours before;-- No parleying now! In Britain is one breath; We all are with you now from shore to shore:-- Ye men of Kent, 'tis victory or death!
OCTOBER 1803
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