I traveled among unknown men, In lands beyond the sea; Nor, England! did I know till then What love I bore to thee.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker realizes the depth of his love for England only after traveling far away from it.
- In plain terms
- Being away from home made him understand how much he loved his country.
- What can you take from it?
- Distance often clarifies what truly matters to us.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What do you miss most when you are far away?
Another view
Love for a place can exist strongly even when living there comfortably.
More from William Wordsworth
A primrose by a river's brim A yellow primrose was to him, And it was nothing more.
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