Ode to Neptune explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Divine Providence and Nature

  The poem appeals to Neptune and Sol as divine forces governing the natural elements, seeking their favor for a safe journey.

• Classical and Biblical Allusion

  The poem is rich with classical references to Neptune, Aeolus, Sol, and the blue-eyed daughters of the sea, typical of neoclassical poetry.

Characters to notice

• Susanna

  The voyager for whose safe passage the speaker prays.

• Aeolus

  Invoked as the tyrant of the main whose thunders roar.

• Sol

  The sun god who sheds benign rays upon the voyage.

• Britannia

  The welcoming land to which Susanna travels.

• Neptune

  The sea god addressed to keep his promise and grant safe passage.

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;”

  Even as violent storms and the roar of Aeolus's thunder rage across the land, calm yourself, Neptune, ruler of the sea.

  The speaker commands Neptune to cease the storm.

• “The Pow’r propitious hears the lay, The blue-ey’d daughters of the sea With sweeter cadence glide along, And Thames responsive joins the song.”

  The favorable deity listens to the song, and the sea nymphs glide more sweetly, while the Thames River echoes the melody.

  The divine powers respond positively to the speaker's prayer.

• “To court thee to Britannia’s arms Serene the climes and mild the sky, Her region boasts unnumber’d charms, Thy welcome smiles in ev’ry eye.”

  To entice you into Britannia's embrace, the climate is calm and the sky gentle; her land offers countless attractions, and everyone's eyes show a welcoming smile.

  The poet describes the inviting nature of Britain.

• “Thy promise, Neptune keep, record my pray’r, Not give my wishes to the empty air.”

  Neptune, fulfill your promise and remember my prayer; do not let my hopes vanish into nothing.

  The speaker implores Neptune to grant the safe voyage.