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.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The masses should rise up against oppression like lions, shaking off chains and remembering their strength.
- In plain terms
- Wake up and fight for freedom; you are many and they are few.
- What can you take from it?
- Collective action can overcome oppressive power.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What injustice will you fight?
- How can you join forces?
Another view
It may encourage violent or rash resistance without careful planning.
More from Percy Bysshe Shelley
The old laws of England - they Whose reverend heads with age are gray, Children of a wiser day; And whose solemn voice must be Thine own echo - Liberty!
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Permalink to quote #114 Stand ye calm and resolute, Like a forest close and mute, With folded arms and looks which are Weapons of unvanquished war.
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