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Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter

I explained

The speaker calls upon the tyrannical sea god Aeolus to be still and not frown while Susanna travels safely across the water amid raging tempests and thunder.

What happens

The speaker calls upon the tyrannical sea god Aeolus to be still and not frown while Susanna travels safely across the water amid raging tempests and thunder.

Themes in this chapter

  • Divine Providence and Nature

    The poem invokes the power of natural forces (tempests, thunder) and appeals to a divine-like authority over the sea to ensure safe passage.

Characters to notice

  • Susanna

    The beloved figure for whom safe passage is sought across the stormy sea.

  • Aeolus

    Addressed as the tyrant of the main, whose thunders and tempests are commanded to be still.

Key passages

  • “While raging tempests shake the shore, While Aelus’ thunders round us roar, And sweep impetuous o’er the plain Be still, O tyrant of the main; Nor let thy brow contracted frowns betray, While my Susanna skims the wat’ry way.”

    Even as violent storms batter the coast and Aeolus's thunder crashes around us, sweeping fiercely across the land, calm yourself, cruel ruler of the sea; do not show your displeasure with a furrowed brow, while my Susanna glides across the water.

    The speaker commands the storm god to relent so that Susanna may travel safely.

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Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral — I Explained