History & Politics

Stanzas ("When a man hath no freedom")

by Lord Byron 1788–1824

From Epigrams and Jeux d'Esprit

History & Politics

When a man hath no freedom to fight for at home,
Let him combat for that of his neighbours;
Let him think of the glories of Greece and of Rome,
And get knocked on the head for his labours.

To do good to Mankind is the chivalrous plan,
And is always as nobly requited;
Then battle for Freedom wherever you can,
And, if not shot or hanged, you'll get knighted.

✦ ✦ ✦

November 5, 1820. First published, Letters and Journals, 1830, ii. 377.

MLA

Byron, George Gordon, Lord. “Stanzas ("When a man hath no freedom").” Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/byron/250/.

Chicago

Byron, George Gordon, Lord. “Stanzas ("When a man hath no freedom").” Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/byron/250/.

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