# To a Lady on Her Coming to North-America with Her Son, for the Recovery of Her Health explained — Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral

> Chapter companion for Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral by Phillis Wheatley.

## What happens

The poem invokes the muse for inspiration to describe a lady traveling from Jamaica to North America for health reasons. It depicts her journey across the sea, her arrival in Philadelphia and Boston, and the joyful reunion with her husband upon her return, emphasizing themes of health, friendship, and familial love.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Providence and Nature

The poem portrays nature (winds, sea) as responsive to the lady's plea, suggesting a providential order aiding her journey.

### Grief and Consolation

The husband's grief at separation and the joy of reunion highlight themes of loss and comfort.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown Narrator

The speaker invokes the muse and narrates the lady's journey and reunion.

### Susanna

The lady addressed, traveling from Jamaica to North America for health recovery.

### Phoebus

Implied through the celestial fire and ideal view, associated with the sun and inspiration.

## Key lines

> Indulgent muse! my grov’ling mind inspire, And fill my bosom with celestial fire.

Kind muse, lift my humble thoughts and fill me with divine inspiration.

_The speaker calls upon the muse for poetic inspiration._

> See from Jamaica’s fervid shore she moves, Like the fair mother of the blooming loves.

She departs from Jamaica's hot coast, resembling Venus, the mother of Cupids.

_The lady is compared to Venus, emphasizing her beauty and grace._

> Thrice welcome here! may health revive again, Bloom on thy cheek, and bound in ev’ry vein!

You are most welcome; may your health return, bringing color to your cheeks and vitality to your body.

_A blessing for the lady's recovery upon arrival in Boston._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters/to-a-lady-on-her-coming-to-north-america-with-her-son-for-the-recovery-of-her-health
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poems_on_various_subjects_religious_and_moral_se/chapters