Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
On Virtue explained
The speaker addresses Virtue as a bright jewel and a queen, striving to comprehend and embrace it.
What happens
The speaker addresses Virtue as a bright jewel and a queen, striving to comprehend and embrace it. Despite acknowledging that wisdom is beyond a fool's reach, the speaker refuses to despair, recognizing that Virtue is near and offers gentle embrace. The poem calls for Virtue to guide the speaker through youth, away from false joys, toward eternal bliss, and to teach a nobler strain, as Virtue is enthroned with Cherubs in the realms of day.
Themes in this chapter
Virtue and Moral Guidance
The poem is a direct appeal to Virtue for moral guidance through youth and toward eternal life.
Christian Redemption and Salvation
The speaker seeks Virtue's guidance to 'endless life and bliss,' echoing Christian salvation themes.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker who strives to comprehend Virtue and seeks its guidance.
Key passages
“O Thou bright jewel in my aim I strive To comprehend thee.”
O Virtue, you are a shining treasure that I try to understand.
The speaker opens by declaring Virtue as their goal and object of understanding.
“Virtue is near thee, and with gentle hand Would now embrace thee, hovers o’er thine head.”
Virtue is close to you and gently reaches out to embrace you, hovering above your head.
The speaker reassures their soul that Virtue is accessible and welcoming.
“Attend me, Virtue, thro’ my youthful years! O leave me not to the false joys of time! But guide my steps to endless life and bliss.”
Stay with me, Virtue, throughout my youth! Do not abandon me to the deceptive pleasures of this world, but lead me toward eternal happiness.
The speaker pleads for Virtue's constant presence and guidance toward salvation.