Nobles and heralds, by your leave, Here lies what once was Matthew Prior; The son of Adam and of Eve: Can Bourbon or Nassau claim higher?
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker claims his human origins make him equal to any noble family, as everyone descends from Adam and Eve.
- In plain terms
- I am no less than a noble because we are all children of Adam and Eve.
- What can you take from it?
- Humanity is more valuable than noble lineage.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Does lineage define worth?
- What makes a person truly noble?
Another view
It ignores real social differences despite biological equality.
More from Matthew Prior
Venus, take my votive glass; Since I am not what I was, What from this day I shall be, Venus, let me never see.
Permalink to quote #12 To John I owed great obligation; But John, unhappily, thought fit To publish it to all the nation: Sure John and I are more than quit.
Permalink to quote #11 Till their own dreams at length decive 'em, And oft repeating, they believe 'em.
Permalink to quote #10
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