Ich Dien by Lord Byron (1816)
The poem is a satirical critique of the excesses and superficiality of European aristocracy during the late 18th century. It portrays a decadent and corrupt society where individuals prioritize material wealth and social status over moral values and personal integrity. The speaker, a disillusioned nobleman, expresses his disgust with the hypocrisy and shallowness of those around him, highlighting the disconnect between appearance and reality in high society.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Political · 54 words
First lines
From this emblem what variance your motto evinces, For the Man is his country's - the Arms are the Prince's!
c. 1814. From an autograph MS. in the possession of Mr. A. H. Hallam Murray, first printed in 1904.
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Ich Dien is listed on Textopian as a poem by Lord Byron, dated 1816 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Lord Byron
- Date: 1816 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Political
- Length: 54 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Satire — The content suggests a satirical commentary on the relationship between a man and his country versus the arms of a prince.
- Political — The themes involve political elements, reflecting on national and princely symbolism.
Tags
Poetry · Romanticism · German · Dedication · Literary · Symbolic · Philosophical · Autobiographical · Personal · Introspective · Emotional · Passionate