Lead out the pageant: sad and slow, As fits an universal woe, Let the long, long procession go, And let the sorrowing crowd about it grow, And let the mournful martial music blow; The last great Englishman is low.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- A grand procession marks the passing of a great figure, filled with universal sorrow.
- In plain terms
- A big, sad parade honors a great man who has died.
- What can you take from it?
- Public ceremonies formalize collective loss.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do ceremonies shape our grief?
- What makes a funeral feel universal?
Another view
It assumes everyone agrees on the leader’s value.
More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson
Bury the Great Duke With an empire's lamentation; Let us bury the Great Duke To the noise of the mourning of a mighty nation; Mourning when their leaders fall,…
Permalink to quote #149 Rich in saving common-sense, And, as the greatest only are, In his simplicity sublime. O good gray head which all men knew, O voice from which their omens all …
Permalink to quote #151 Dear as remembered kisses after death, And sweet as those by hopeless fancy feigned On lips that are for others; deep as love, Deep as first love, and wild wit…
Permalink to quote #148
Related quotes
It's always sad to lose someone who has led a nation and we want to express our best wishes and sincere condolences.
Ronald ReaganRonald Reagan quote #142 Bury the Great Duke With an empire's lamentation; Let us bury the Great Duke To the noise of the mourning of a mighty nation; Mourning when their leaders fall,…
Alfred (Lord) TennysonAlfred (Lord) Tennyson quote #149 Another old friend gone!
Jesse OwensJesse Owens quote #1