To Mr. Murray (for Oxford and for Waldegrave)
The poem is a satirical critique of the British aristocracy's involvement in politics and their perceived corruption. It targets Lord Castlereagh and the Duke of Wellington, among others, for their roles in the Tory government. The speaker addresses these individuals directly, using irony and sarcasm to highlight their supposed virtues and flaws.
By Lord Byron · First published 1816 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Epistolary · 160 words
First lines
For Oxford and for Waldegrave You give much more than me you gave; Which is not fairly to behave, My Murray.
Because if a live dog, 'tis said, Be worth a lion fairly sped, A live lord must be worth two dead, My Murray.
And if, as the opinion goes, Verse hath a better sale than prose - Certes, I should have more than those, My Murray.
But now this sheet is nearly cramm'd, So, if you will, I shan't be shamm'd, And if you won't, you may be damn'd, My Murray.
What this Textopian page supports
To Mr. Murray (for Oxford and for Waldegrave) 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, Epistolary, Literary Criticism, Social Commentary
- Length: 160 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
- To Eliza by Lord Byron
- Addressed To Benjamin Robert Haydon by John Keats
- To Mr Murray by Lord Byron
- Epistle To Mr Murray by Lord Byron
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Satire — The tone is humorous and critical, mocking the publishing industry and societal norms.
- Epistolary — The work is addressed directly to a specific individual, resembling a letter.
- Literary Criticism — It critiques the value placed on different forms of writing, such as prose versus poetry.
Tags
Poem · Sonnet · Romanticism · Love Letter · Epistle · Verse · Literary Epistle · Personal · Intimate · Private · Confessional · Autobiographical