by Keats · Cluster: Swords and Weapons · Power and Corruption · Tyrant
Abstract
A patriotic sonnet hailing the peace of 1814, urging Europe to throw off tyranny and embrace liberty; political reform, nation and freedom from sceptred tyrants.
Connections
Archetypes: Tyrant Themes & Concepts: Nationalism and Patriotism, Reform Forms & Genres: Sonnet Historical References: Napoleonic Wars the Navy
Testo integrale / Full text
O Peace! and dost thou with thy presence bless
The dwellings of this war-surrounded Isle;
Soothing with placid brow our late distress,
Making the triple kingdom brightly smile?
Joyful I hail thy presence; and I hail
The sweet companions that await on thee;
Complete my joy - let not my first wish fail,
Let the sweet mountain nymph thy favourite be,
With England’s happiness proclaim Europa’s Liberty.
O Europe! let not sceptred tyrants see 10
That thou must shelter in thy former state;
Keep thy chains burst, and boldly say thou art free;
Give thy kings law - leave not uncurbed the great;
So with the horrors past thou’lt win thy happier fate!