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Out upon the wharfs they came, Knight and Burgher, Lord and Dame, And around the prow they read her name, The Lady of Shalott. Who is this? And what is here? And in the lighted palace near Died the sound of royal cheer; And they crossed themselves for fear, All the Knights at Camelot; But Lancelot mused a little space He said, 'She has a lovely face; God in his mercy lend her grace, The Lady of Shalott.'

Alfred (Lord) Tennyson#89

CourtMysteryReverenceSocial

About this quote

What does it mean?
Knights and nobles read the Lady’s name, feel awe and fear, while Lancelot wishes her grace.
In plain terms
The court reacts with curiosity and reverence to the Lady’s story.
What can you take from it?
Reactions to mystery can mix admiration and apprehension.

Where it applies

  • introducing a new figure
  • encountering the unknown

Putting it to work

  • show respect
  • address fears openly

Questions to consider

  • How do you respond to mysterious newcomers?
  • When have you balanced awe and fear?

Another view

The scene is highly stylized, limiting real‑world application.

More from Alfred (Lord) Tennyson

  1. Lying, robed in snowy white That loosely flew to left and right - The leaves upon her falling light - Thro' the noises of the night, She floated down to Camelo…

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  2. Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 'tis early morn: Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle horn.

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  3. She left the web, she left the loom, She made three paces through the room, She saw the water-lily bloom, She saw the helmet and the plume, She looked down to …

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