Heroism
Ruby wine is drunk by knaves, Sugar spends to fatten slaves, Rose and vine-leaf deck buffoons; Thunder-clouds are Jove's festoons, Drooping oft in wreaths of dread, Lightning-knotted round his head; The hero is not fed on sweets, Daily his own heart he eats; Chambers of the great are jails, And head-winds right for royal sails.
Heroism - meaning Summary
Heroism as Self-discipline
Emerson contrasts surface luxury with true greatness, arguing that genuine heroism rejects indulgence. Ornate pleasures belong to knaves and fools, while the heroic endures hardship, self-denial, and inner struggle. Power and status bring burdens rather than comforts; greatness requires constant self-discipline and sacrifice. The poem presents heroism as an inward, demanding moral practice rather than outward splendor.
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