O'erweening Statesmen Have Full Long Relied
O'erweening Statesmen Have Full Long Relied - meaning Summary
Inner Virtue Over External Power
Wordsworth contrasts a nation’s dependence on fleets, armies and external wealth with the deeper, sustaining force of inward moral and spiritual health. He argues that true national vitality can persist despite material poverty when citizens cultivate contemplation and pride in their roots. The poem praises those—here exemplified as Spaniards—who commit lives to country through consecrated labor, prayer, and close attention to nature and heaven, implying civic strength springs from inner devotion.
Read Complete AnalysesO'ERWEENING Statesmen have full long relied On fleets and armies, and external wealth: But from 'within' proceeds a Nation's health; Which shall not fail, though poor men cleave with pride To the paternal floor; or turn aside, In the thronged city, from the walks of gain, As being all unworthy to detain A Soul by contemplation sanctified. There are who cannot languish in this strife, Spaniards of every rank, by whom the good Of such high course was felt and understood; Who to their Country's cause have bound a life Erewhile, by solemn consecration, given To labour and to prayer, to nature, and to heaven.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.