This royal throne of kings, this sceptered isle, This earth of majesty, this seat of Mars, This other Eden, demi-paradise, This fortress built by Nature for herself Against infection and the hand of war, This happy breed of men, this little world, This precious stone set in the silver sea, Which serves it in the office of a wall Or as a moat defensive to a house, Against the envy of less happier lands,--This blessed plot, this earth, this realm, this England.
The passage from Shakespeare's "Richard II" reflects a deep admiration for England, portraying it as a royal and majestic land. The speaker emphasizes its grandeur by using regal imagery, suggesting that it is a throne for kings and a paradise blessed by nature. This idealized vision casts England as a stronghold, safeguarded against conflict and envy from other nations, which reinforces its unique status in the world.
This description of England as a "precious stone set in the silver sea" highlights its beauty and strategic advantage, presenting it as a fortified realm. The imagery of the sea serving as a protective barrier evokes both a physical and symbolic defense, representing the resilience of its people and their way of life. Overall, this passage conveys a sense of pride and reverence for the land, emphasizing its significance in the larger context of history and nature.
