The bright old day now dawns again; the cry runs through the the land, In England there shall be dear bread-in Ireland, sword and brand; And poverty, and ignorance, shall swell the rich and grand, So, rally round the rulers with the gentle iron hand, Of the fine old English Tory days; Hail to the coming time!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The verse ironically praises a political era that benefits the rich while exploiting the poor.
- In plain terms
- A satirical song praises old Tory days that favor the rich.
- What can you take from it?
- Politics often favor the powerful over the poor.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Who benefits from this rule?
- Is this praise or criticism?
Another view
The irony may be lost on readers unfamiliar with the context.
More from Charles Dickens
To conceal anything from those to whom I am attached, is not in my nature. I can never close my lips where I have opened my heart.
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