Now left to man's ingratitude he lay, Unhoused, neglected…
““Now left to man's ingratitude he lay, Unhoused, neglected in the public way; And where on heaps the rich manure was spread, Obscene with reptiles, took his sordid bed. He knew his lord; he knew, and strove to meet; In vain he strove to crawl and kiss his feet; Yet (all he could) his tail, his tears, his eyes, Salute his master, and confess his joys. Soft pity touch'd the mighty master's soul; Adown his cheek a tear unbidden stole, Stole unperceived: he turn'd his head and dried The drop humane: then thus impassion'd cried: "What noble beast in this abandon'd state Lies here all helpless at Ulysses' gate? His bulk and beauty speak no vulgar praise: If, as he seems, he was in better days, Some care his age deserves; or was he prized For worthless beauty? therefore now despised; Such dogs and men there are, mere things of state; And always cherish'd by their friends, the great." "Not Argus so, (Eumaeus thus rejoin'd,) But served a master of a nobler kind, Who, never, never shall behold him more!””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker laments a neglected, suffering creature that still shows devotion to its master, questioning the value of loyalty amidst neglect.
In simple terms: Even the downtrodden can be loyal.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and honor unseen devotion.
Themes
loyalty
neglect
compassion
humility
Mood
somber
reflective
Type
philosophical
poetic
When to use this quote
- animal welfare advocacy
- ethical treatment of servants
- reflecting on gratitude
- examining power dynamics
Key Concepts
servitude
suffering
recognition of worth
Questions to Reflect On
- What does loyalty mean when unreciprocated?
- How can we better care for the vulnerable?
A Different Perspective
The poem’s archaic language may obscure its relevance to modern readers.