London, 1802 Morality and Ethics Quotes Page 1
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| Quote #1 England hath need of thee: she is a fen |
This is pretty clear: any comparison to a swampland full of fetid, gross water is never a good thing. England is in a foul state of moral corruption, according to Wordsworth.
| Quote #2 We are selfish men; |
Hmm…very interesting. The fact that Wordsworth lumps "manners, virtue, freedom, and power" together indicates the relationship between morality and success – a healthy nation achieves things like "freedom and power" through being kind and virtuous.
| Quote #3 Thy soul was like a Star, and dwelt apart (9) |
…dwelt apart in a better place, that is. Milton's moral superiority set him apart from the rest of the flawed mass of humanity.
