This very short bit of verse reveals the idiosyncratic sense of humor that made Byron part of the Romantic Era, but not completely of it. He stood partially outside the door, capable of mixing irony, detachment and self-deprecation often flawlessly with the sincerity and seriousness of purpose which characterizes much of the poetry to come from these writers. In this poem he addresses the sincere what was a common bond of radical liberalism that saw people of every class deserving of rights and respect. That political awareness viewed without disdain the urge felt by some to put their beliefs to the test by fighting for those freedoms and so he suggests when there is no war at home, one can always look elsewhere for the trampling of freedom.
He urges those facing this situation to look to is neighbors and in doing so remember the glory of the warriors of ancient Greece and Rome who became heroes of legend and verse. At the same time they are thinking of this glory, however, he recommends also considering the possibility that they may also suffered injuries to the their head we pursuing the labors of war.
The poet muses goes forward in time from ancient civilizations to draw upon the glory days of chivalry by suggesting that the epitome of that system is doing acts for the betterment of mankind. Perhaps puckishly or perhaps sincerely, he then suggest that committed to chivalric betterment of man is always rewarded. Thus, he urges those looking to fight for freedom when it is not being fought in their homeland to go forward, be chivalric and, quite possibly, get knighted, provided that they don’t get shot or hanged first.
