How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #4
My babe so beautiful! it thrills my heart
With tender gladness, thus to look at thee,
And think that thou shalt learn far other lore,
And in far other scenes! (49-52)
Coleridge is hoping that his son will have a purer education—a religious education in a way, since his son will become acquainted with God, who is present in Nature. Coleridge was raised in the city, which he feels helped divorce him from this closer contact with the Divine. He might be thinking about his own personal problems (his opium addiction, for example) and hoping that a life with Nature will help prevent his son from making the same kinds of mistakes.