Poetry · Chapter
Ad Cattonum explained
The narrator addresses Mr.
What happens
The narrator addresses Mr. Catton, a Chilean Consul, criticizing him for slandering the United States and its ministers, and warning that such behavior will be met with physical retaliation.
Themes in this chapter
Political Satire
The poem satirizes a foreign consul's arrogance and perceived hypocrisy, threatening physical punishment for slander.
Characters to notice
- Unknown
The narrator who confronts Mr. Catton directly.
Key passages
“I know not, Mr. Catton, who you are, Nor very clearly why; but you go far To show that you are many things beside A Chilean Consul with a tempting hide;”
I don't know who you are or why you act this way, but you've revealed yourself to be more than just a Chilean Consul with a vulnerable exterior.
The narrator opens by expressing ignorance of Catton's identity but criticizes his behavior.
“Sir, there are laws that men of sense observe, No matter whence they come nor whom they serve— The laws of courtesy; and these forbid You to malign, as recently you did, As servant of another State, a State Wherein your duties all are concentrate; Branding its Ministers as rogues—in short, Inviting cuffs as suitable retort.”
There are universal laws of courtesy that sensible people follow, regardless of nationality or employer, and these laws prohibit you from slandering the state where you work and calling its ministers rogues, which invites a physical response.
The narrator warns Catton that his insults violate basic courtesy and will provoke retaliation.