We must be free or die, who speak the tongue That Shakespeare spake; the faith and morals hold Which Milton held.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- We must protect our language and morals or risk dying as a nation.
- In plain terms
- Protect your language and values to survive.
- What can you take from it?
- Defend your culture.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What defines your culture?
Another view
It frames cultural loss as life or death.
More from William Wordsworth
Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart: Thou hadst a voice whose sound was like the sea: Pure as the naked heavens, majestic, free, So didst thou travel on …
Permalink to quote #52 He sang of love, with quiet blending, Slow to begin, and never ending; Of serious faith, and inward glee; That was the song,- the song for me!
Permalink to quote #54 Milton! thou should'st be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters.
Permalink to quote #51
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