The Vision of Judgment facts for kids

The Vision of Judgment (1822) is a funny and clever poem by Lord Byron. It's a type of poem called a satire, which means it makes fun of something or someone to show a point. This poem is about a big argument happening in Heaven over what should happen to the soul of King George III after he dies.

Byron wrote this poem because he was reacting to another poem called A Vision of Judgement (1821). That one was written by Robert Southey, who was the official poet for the King (the Poet Laureate). Southey's poem showed King George III going straight to Heaven as a hero. Byron didn't agree with Southey's view. He also didn't like how Southey had criticized other poets, calling them "Men of diseased hearts and depraved imaginations." Byron felt Southey was being unfair and too proud. So, Byron decided to write his own version, making fun of Southey's poem and his ideas. Byron's poem was so popular that it really affected how people saw Southey's work for a long time.

What Happens in the Poem?

Byron's poem takes place in Heaven. The story begins after many wars, like the Napoleonic Wars. So many people have died that the Recording Angel (who keeps track of souls) is very busy. But most of the dead have gone to a bad place, so St. Peter, who guards the gates of Heaven, doesn't have much to do.

King George III Arrives

Suddenly, a cherub (a type of angel) brings news that King George III has died. Soon after, the King's soul arrives at Heaven's gates. He's not alone! He's with Lucifer (the Devil), the archangel Michael, and a group of other angels.

Lucifer immediately tries to claim King George III for Hell. He says the King was a friend to rulers who were unfair and an enemy to freedom. Lucifer says, "He ever warr'd with freedom and the free."

Witnesses Are Called

To prove his point, Lucifer calls on the ghost of John Wilkes. Wilkes was a famous writer and politician who often disagreed with the King. But Wilkes surprisingly refuses to speak against the King. He says that the King's advisors were more to blame than the King himself.

Next, the ghost of a secret writer named Junius is called. When asked what he thought of King George, Junius simply says, "I loved my country, and I hated him." This shows his strong feelings against the King.

Finally, a demon named Asmodeus brings Robert Southey himself! The demon has taken Southey from his home on Earth.

A Sneaky Entrance

While all this arguing and calling of witnesses is happening, King George III quietly slips into Heaven without anyone noticing. Once inside, he starts practicing a psalm (a religious song) from the Bible. It's a funny ending to the big debate!

How the Poem Was Published

Byron wrote The Vision of Judgment in Italy. He started it in May 1821, just a few weeks after Southey's poem came out. He finished it by October of the same year.

Finding a Publisher

Byron first sent his poem to John Murray, who usually published his works. But Murray was worried about how controversial the poem was. He thought it might cause trouble, so he decided not to publish it.

Murray then gave the poem to John Hunt, who was known for publishing more daring works. Hunt included Byron's poem in his new magazine called The Liberal on October 15, 1822. In this first printing, Byron's name wasn't used. Instead, the poem was said to be by "Quevedo Redivivus," which means "Quevedo revived" (referring to a Spanish writer known for satire).

Legal Trouble

A few months after the poem was published, John Hunt faced a legal case. He was accused of publishing something that insulted King George IV, even though the poem didn't actually mention him. Hunt was found guilty and had to pay a fine of £100.