Poetry · Chapter
To One Out of Favor explained
The poem addresses a person named Miles who has been forcibly retired, comparing his fall from favor to that of General Sam Young.
What happens
The poem addresses a person named Miles who has been forcibly retired, comparing his fall from favor to that of General Sam Young. While Young receives a healing kiss from Mr. Secretary, Miles is left bruised and abandoned. The speaker suggests that Miles is lucky to have avoided the temptation of being bitten by the Administration's teeth.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The poem satirizes the arbitrary nature of political favor and the hypocrisy of official consolation.
Hypocrisy and Corruption
The contrast between the treatment of Sam Young and Miles highlights the corruption and hypocrisy in how the Administration dispenses favor and punishment.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The speaker addressing Miles, reflecting on political favor and retirement.
Key passages
“You were yourself retired not long ago— Just “cast as rubbish to the void” (for such Is Law’s demand)—alighting where ’tis much Too cold for comfort.”
You were recently forced into retirement, discarded like worthless trash by the law, and left in a harsh, unwelcoming place.
Describes Miles's abrupt and cold dismissal from his position.
“I know not ( Mr. Root knows little else) Why Sam should fare so better far than Nelse, But so he did, for scarcely did he light Ere Mr. Secretary gripped him tight, Stood him erect, removed his coat and shirt, And, finding on his person where it hurt, Performed, in pity for his hapless plight, The appropriate consolatory rite.”
I don't understand why Sam Young was treated so much better than Nelse, but as soon as he arrived, the Secretary grabbed him, stood him up, undressed him, found his injury, and gave him a comforting kiss out of pity.
Highlights the preferential treatment given to Sam Young compared to Miles.
“Miles, you are lucky! True, you’re badly bruised, The wound administered, the balm refused; But if too rashly you had dared to strip Your aching back for the official lip, Consider the temptation (none can fight it Who has Administration teeth) to bite it!”
Miles, you're fortunate! Though you're hurt and denied comfort, if you had exposed your back for the official's kiss, remember that the Administration would be tempted to bite you instead.
Sarcastically suggests that Miles's lack of consolation is actually a blessing, as the Administration's favor is dangerous.