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About this quote

What does it mean?
Old English laws are likened to wise, aged heads echoing the voice of Liberty.
In plain terms
Old laws of England are compared to wise elders who speak for liberty.
What can you take from it?
Established laws can reflect timeless wisdom and liberty.

Where it applies

  • political discourse
  • legal history
  • patriotism

Putting it to work

  • citing historical precedent
  • defending tradition

Questions to consider

  • Do old laws reflect timeless wisdom or outdated norms?
  • How does tradition support liberty?

Another view

The quote idealizes old laws that might have been unjust by modern standards.

More from Percy Bysshe Shelley

  1. Stand ye calm and resolute, Like a forest close and mute, With folded arms and looks which are Weapons of unvanquished war.

    Permalink to quote #111
  2. Rise like Lions after slumber In unvanquishable number - Shake your chains to earth like dew Which in sleep had fallen on you - Ye are many - they are few.

    Permalink to quote #113
  3. Be your strong and simple words Keen to wound as sharpened swords, And wide as targes let them be, With their shade to cover ye.

    Permalink to quote #110

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