How we cite our quotes: Line
Quote #1
altar, sword, and pen,
Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower
Have forfeited their ancient English dower
Of inward happiness. (3-6)
England, Wordsworth reminds us, used to have a lot to be proud of – but now its people have lost touch with these great things, and are unhappy as a consequence. Wordsworth hopes that the people of England can reclaim their rightful "dower" of pride and satisfaction in their country.