Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral · Chapter
To His Honour the Lieutenant-Governor, on the Death of His Lady. March 24, 1773 explained
The poem addresses Lieutenant-Governor Oliver on the death of his wife, consoling him by describing Death as a force that leads the virtuous to heavenly peace.
What happens
The poem addresses Lieutenant-Governor Oliver on the death of his wife, consoling him by describing Death as a force that leads the virtuous to heavenly peace. It celebrates the deceased lady's virtue and her ascension to bliss, urging the governor to look beyond earthly grief and embrace spiritual hope.
Themes in this chapter
Death and the Afterlife
The poem personifies Death as 'all-conquering' yet leads the virtuous to immortal peace, emphasizing a Christian view of the afterlife.
Grief and Consolation
The speaker urges the governor to cease mourning and find comfort in the deceased's heavenly reward.
Christian Redemption and Salvation
The poem highlights salvation through virtue and divine grace, with the saint ascending to heaven.
Characters to notice
- Unknown Narrator
The speaker, an 'Afric muse,' addresses the Lieutenant-Governor and offers consolation.
- Phillis Wheatley
Implied as the 'Afric muse' who delivers the poem.
- Jesus
Referenced as the 'saint of old' who escaped death, and as part of the Christian consolation.
- Elijah
Mentioned as the 'great sage' whom fiery coursers drew to heaven.
- Susanna
The deceased lady, described as the beauteous spouse now in heaven.
Key passages
“All-Conquering Death! by thy resistless pow’r, Hope’s tow’ring plumage falls to rise no more!”
Death is invincible, and even hope cannot withstand its power.
Opening lines establish Death as an unstoppable force.
“He leads the virtuous to the realms of peace; His to conduct to the immortal plains, Where heav’n’s Supreme in bliss and glory reigns.”
Death guides good people to a peaceful afterlife in heaven where God rules.
Consolation theme: Death is not an end but a passage to eternal bliss.
“There sits, illustrious Sir, thy beauteous spouse; A gem-blaz’d circle beaming on her brows.”
Your beautiful wife now resides in heaven, crowned with a radiant halo.
Describes the deceased lady's heavenly reward.
“No longer then, great Sir, her death deplore, And let us hear the mournful sigh no more, Restrain the sorrow streaming from thine eye, Be all thy future moments crown’d with joy!”
Stop mourning her death and instead look forward to joy.
Direct exhortation to the governor to overcome grief.