Poetry · Chapter
Prayer: To Tsars and Kings explained
A prayer contrasting the worldly desires of rulers—wealth and power—with the speaker's humble plea for love as the only true paradise on earth.
What happens
A prayer contrasting the worldly desires of rulers—wealth and power—with the speaker's humble plea for love as the only true paradise on earth.
Themes in this chapter
Social Injustice and Class
Contrasts the wealth of rulers with the suffering of toiling workers on stolen lands.
Love and Loss
The speaker's sole request for love as the heart's paradise amid earthly sorrow.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker who prays for love rather than material wealth.
Key passages
“To tsars and kings who tax the world, Send dollars and ducats, And fetters well-forged.”
May rulers who exploit the world receive money and chains.
A sarcastic blessing wishing oppressive leaders the tools of their own tyranny.
“To me, my God, on this sad earth, Give me but love, the heart’s paradise And nothing more.”
Grant me only love, which is the true heaven on earth, and nothing else.
The speaker's humble and poignant contrast to the greed of kings.