OH! hear a pensive captive's prayer, For liberty that sighs ; And never let thine heart be shut Against the prisoner's cries.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Listen to the prayers of prisoners seeking liberty and keep your heart open to them.
- In plain terms
- Hear the prisoner's plea for freedom and do not ignore it.
- What can you take from it?
- Support liberty for the imprisoned through empathy.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who do you hear cry for freedom?
- What stops you from acting on empathy?
Another view
Empathy without action may not free the prisoner.
More from Anna Letitia Barbauld
Child of mortality, whence comest thou? Why is thy countenance sad, and why are thine eyes red with weeping?
Permalink to quote #1 If e'er thy breast with freedom glow'd, And spurn'd a tyrant's chain, Let not thy strong oppressive force A free-born mouse detain.
Permalink to quote #3 The chearful light, the vital air, Are blessings widely given ; Let nature's commoners enjoy The common gifts of heaven.
Permalink to quote #4
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