Quote by James Russell Lowell

They talk about their Pilgrim blood, their birthright high and holy! a mountain-stream that ends in mud thinks is melancholy.

They talk about their Pilgrim blood, their birthright high a

Summary

This quote satirically criticizes those who boast about their prestigious ancestry or illustrious origins but fail to live up to those expectations or accomplish anything meaningful themselves. It suggests that such people may take pride in their supposed purity of lineage or heritage, but their actions or the outcomes they achieve ultimately fall short and lead to disappointment or apathy. The phrase "a mountain-stream that ends in mud" symbolizes the contrast between their grandiose claims and their underwhelming achievements, highlighting the irony and melancholy in their futile attempts to uphold their supposed superiority.

Topics

Ancestry Ancestors

By James Russell Lowell

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