"In England the only homage which they pay to Virtue - is hypocrisy"

This quote by Lord Byron is a criticism of the English society of his time. He is suggesting that the English individuals do not really value virtue, however rather only pay lip service to it. He is suggesting that the English people are not genuine in their admiration of virtue, but instead are just pretending to do so in order to appear virtuous. This is a form of hypocrisy, which Lord Byron believes is the only type of tribute that the English people pay to virtue. He is suggesting that the English people are not genuinely virtuous, however instead are just pretending to be so in order to maintain a great public image. This quote is a criticism of the English society of Lord Byron's time, and it is still pertinent today. It is a suggestion that we must be authentic in our admiration of virtue, and not just pretend to do so in order to appear virtuous.