Say, lordly Man, of pow'rs possest, That no inferior creatures know; Say, can the mind with reason blest, Relentless fury show. To thy domain all beasts belong, Yet why so merciless thy sway? Why to the harmless, useful throng, Such cruelty display? Let all thy kind compassion share, Through Nature's universal frame; Whatever breathes thy kindred air, Or feels the vital flame.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The poem questions why humans treat animals cruelly despite sharing nature.
- In plain terms
- Why do people hurt animals when we are all part of nature?
- What can you take from it?
- Extend compassion to all living beings.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How should humans treat animals?
- Where does cruelty come from?
Another view
Practical conflicts between human needs and animal welfare exist.
More from Elizabeth Bentley
Come, swift-wing'd Fancy, airy maid, In varied, dazzling vest array'd, Inspire thy vot'ry's lay; Grant me thy flow'ry walks to tread, To range thy summer-paint…
Permalink to quote #2
Related quotes
'Twould ring the bells of Heaven The wildest peal for years, If Parson lost his senses And people came to theirs, And he and they together Knelt down with angr…
Ralph HodgsonRalph Hodgson quote #2 We were in Brooklyn and we stopped by a neighbor's house ... there were these dogs there and I guess they had puppies, she was going to keep one but said she m…
Alyssa MilanoAlyssa Milano quote #5 A man can live and be healthy without killing animals for food; therefore, if he eats meat, he participates in taking animal life merely for the sake of his ap…
Leo TolstoyLeo Tolstoy quote #6