This Poem was in response to the Massacre on Aug. 16, 1819 in the city of Manchester. Ten people were killed and hundreds more injured. Political corruption was then as is now rampant. A crowd of "Peaceful Protestors" 60,000 strong were attacked. Hence the quote "They are few we are many" came into being. It was known as "Peterloo", a play on the term "Waterloo" which occurred in 1815 just 4 years prior. Such indignation gave Shelley inspiration to write not only this poem but he also wrote "England in 1819" to express his anger. What is amazing is how both works have stood the test of time. Today we see such indignation from out Political Class and we see an uprising among the people of out Great Nation. And we see Death and Injury to out people today as in 1819. This was a Great find by Sir Patrick... And the timing could not be better. Thanks IPOT... >>
"Stand ye calm and resolute,Like a forest close and mute,With folded arms and looks which areWeapons of unvanquished war.And if then the tyrants dare,Let them ride among you there;Slash, and stab, and maim and hew;What they like, that let them do.With folded arms and steady eyes,And little fear, and less surprise,Look upon them as they slay,Till their rage has died away:Then they will return with shame,To the place from which they came,And the blood thus shed will speakIn hot blushes on their cheek:Rise, like lions after slumberIn unvanquishable number!Shake your chains to earth like dewWhich in sleep had fallen on you:Ye are many—they are few!" Percy Bysshe Shelley (1819)>>
The Masque of Anarchy (Narration) - In Pursuit of Truth Presents - 8.31.20
This was a Great find by Sir Patrick... And the timing could not be better. Thanks IPOT... >>