Slaves cannot breathe in England; if their lungs Receive our air, that moment they are free! They touch our country, and their shackles fall.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- English soil was historically seen as granting freedom to enslaved people.
- In plain terms
- Slaves became free the moment they arrived in England.
- What can you take from it?
- Certain places symbolize freedom from oppression.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes a place free?
- How do laws protect liberty?
Another view
Legal freedom does not always mean social acceptance.
More from William Cowper
Mountains interposed Make enemies of nations, who had else Like kindred drops, been mingled into one.
Permalink to quote #66 England, with all thy faults, I love thee still- My country! and, while yet a nook is left Where English minds and manners may be found, Shall be constrained t…
Permalink to quote #68 Oh for a lodge in some vast wilderness, Some boundless contiguity of shade, Where rumor of oppression and deceit, Of unsuccessful or successful war, Might neve…
Permalink to quote #65
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