'To The Virginian Voyage' by Michael Drayton

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You brave heroic minds,
Worthy your country's name,
That honour still pursue,
Go, and subdue,
Whilst loit'ring hinds
Lurke here at home with shame.

Britons, you stay too long,
Quickly aboard bestow you;
And with a merry gale
Swell your stretched sail,
With vows as strong
As the winds that blow you.

Your course securely steer,
West and by South forth keep;
Rocks, lee-shores, nor shoals,
When Eolus scowls,
You need nor fear,
So absolute the deep.

And cheerfully at sea,
Success you still entice
To get the pearl and gold;
And ours to hold
Virginia,
Earth's only Paradise.

Where Nature hath in store
Fowl, venison, and fish;
And the fruitfull'st soil,
Without your toil,
Three harvests more,
All greater than your wish.

And the ambitious vine
Crowns with his purple mass
The cedar reaching high
To kiss the sky,
The cypress, pine,
And useful sassafras.

To whom the golden age
Still Nature's laws doth give,
No other cares attend
But them to defend
From winter's rage,
That long there doth not live.

When as the luscious smell
Of that delicious land,
Above the sea that flows,
The clear wind throws,
Your hearts to swell,
Approaching the dear strand.

In kenning of the shore,
(Thanks to God first given)
O you, the happiest men,
Be frolic then!
Let canons roar,
Frighting the wide heaven!

And in regions far
Such heroes bring ye forth
As those from whom we came,
And plant our name
Under that star
Not known unto our North.

And as there plenty grows
Of laurel everywhere,
Apollo's sacred tree,
You may it see
A poet's brows
To crown, that may sing there.

Thy voyages attend
Industrious Hakluit,
Whose reading shall inflame
Men to seek fame,
And much commend
To after-times thy wit.

Editor 1 Interpretation

To The Virginian Voyage: A Critique

If you're a lover of poetry, chances are you've come across Michael Drayton's "To the Virginian Voyage." This classic poem is a celebration of the first English colony to be established in the New World, and it's widely considered to be one of Drayton's finest works. In this literary criticism, we'll take a deep dive into the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and historical significance.

Background

Before we delve into the poem itself, it's important to understand some of the historical context behind it. "To the Virginian Voyage" was written in 1606, during a time when England was beginning to heavily invest in exploration and colonization. The Virginia Company had just been established, and its goal was to establish a colony in the New World. This poem was written in celebration of the company's efforts and the brave men who set sail to a new land.

Structure

The poem is structured in six stanzas, each consisting of nine lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABCCDDD, and the meter is iambic pentameter. This structured format gives the poem a musical quality, and the repetition of the rhyme scheme and meter helps to create a sense of unity and cohesion throughout the poem.

Themes

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea of exploration and discovery. The men who set sail on the Virginia Company's ships were embarking on a journey into the unknown, and the poem celebrates their bravery and sense of adventure. This theme is reinforced through the use of language and imagery, such as the reference to the "desire of knowledge" and the description of the "vast and endless main."

Another important theme is the idea of colonization and the desire for power and wealth. The Virginia Company was established for the purpose of establishing a profitable colony in the New World, and the poem touches on this idea through references to the "golden fleece" and the "precious substance." This theme is also reinforced through the description of the land itself, which is portrayed as rich and bountiful.

Symbolism

The poem makes use of several symbols to reinforce its themes and create a deeper meaning. One of the most prominent symbols is the reference to the "golden fleece," which is a reference to the ancient Greek myth of Jason and the Argonauts. In the myth, the golden fleece is a symbol of power and wealth, and the reference in the poem reinforces the idea of the Virginia Company's desire for wealth and prosperity.

Another symbol is the reference to the "precious substance," which is a reference to the tobacco that would eventually become the backbone of the Virginia Colony's economy. This symbol reinforces the idea of the colony as a place of wealth and prosperity, and it also foreshadows the impact that tobacco would have on the world.

Imagery

Drayton's use of imagery is one of the strongest elements of the poem. He paints a vivid picture of the voyage and the new land, using language that is both descriptive and poetic. For example, he describes the "vast and endless main" and the "broad and ample sea," creating a sense of the vastness and mystery of the ocean. He also describes the "woody mountains" and the "fruitful plain," creating a sense of the richness and bounty of the land.

Historical Significance

"To the Virginian Voyage" is significant not only as a work of literature, but also as a historical document. It provides a glimpse into the mindset of the English colonizers and their sense of adventure and desire for wealth. It also serves as a reminder of the impact that colonization had on the indigenous peoples of the Americas, and the legacy of that impact that continues to this day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To the Virginian Voyage" is a classic poem that celebrates the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the English colonization of the New World. Through its use of themes, symbolism, and imagery, the poem captures the excitement and sense of possibility that surrounded the establishment of the Virginia Colony. It is a powerful reminder of the impact of colonization, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

To The Virginian Voyage: A Journey of Discovery and Adventure

Michael Drayton's poem, To The Virginian Voyage, is a classic piece of literature that captures the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the early days of the American colonies. Written in 1606, the poem celebrates the voyage of the English settlers who sailed from England to Virginia in search of new opportunities and a better life. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and relevance to our modern times.

The poem begins with an invocation to the "Muses" – the Greek goddesses of inspiration – to help the poet tell the story of the voyage. This sets the tone for the poem as a work of art that seeks to inspire and uplift its readers. The first stanza describes the preparations for the voyage, with the ships being loaded with supplies and the sailors bidding farewell to their loved ones. The language used here is vivid and evocative, with phrases like "the winds all whisper, and the waves do sigh" creating a sense of anticipation and excitement.

The second stanza describes the journey itself, with the ships sailing across the Atlantic Ocean towards the "new-found-land" of Virginia. The language here is more poetic and metaphorical, with the ocean being described as a "watery wilderness" and the ships as "winged chariots" that ride the waves. The imagery used here is powerful and evocative, creating a sense of awe and wonder at the vastness and beauty of the natural world.

The third stanza describes the arrival of the ships in Virginia, with the sailors disembarking and exploring the new land. The language here is more descriptive and factual, with the poet listing the various sights and sounds that the sailors encounter. The tone here is one of wonder and curiosity, as the sailors marvel at the "faire meadowes" and "fruitfull trees" of the new land.

The fourth stanza describes the challenges and hardships that the settlers face in Virginia, with the harsh climate and hostile natives making life difficult for them. The language here is more somber and reflective, with the poet acknowledging the sacrifices and struggles that the settlers had to endure. The tone here is one of resilience and determination, as the settlers persevere in the face of adversity and continue to build their new home.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging the English people to continue to explore and colonize the new world. The language here is more persuasive and passionate, with the poet arguing that the new land offers great opportunities for wealth and prosperity. The tone here is one of optimism and hope, as the poet encourages his readers to embrace the spirit of adventure and discovery that characterized the early days of the American colonies.

Overall, To The Virginian Voyage is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the spirit of exploration and adventure that characterized the early days of the American colonies. The language and imagery used in the poem are vivid and evocative, creating a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world and the human spirit. The poem is also significant for its historical context, as it celebrates the early English settlers who helped to build the foundations of the United States of America.

In conclusion, To The Virginian Voyage is a classic poem that continues to inspire and uplift readers today. Its themes of exploration, adventure, and resilience are timeless and universal, and its language and imagery are as powerful and evocative as ever. Whether we are exploring new lands or facing challenges in our daily lives, the spirit of the poem can help us to find the courage and determination to persevere and succeed.

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