'The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers' by Rudyard Kipling
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Away by the lands of the Japanee
Where the paper lanterns glow
And the crews of all the shipping drink
In the house of Blood Street Joe,
At twilight, when the landward breeze
Brings up the harbour noise,
And ebb of Yokohama Bay
Swigs chattering through the buoys,
In Cisco's Dewdrop Dining-Rooms
They tell the tale anew
Of a hidden sea and a hidden fight,
When the ~Baltic~ ran from the ~Northern Light~
And the ~Stralsund~ fought the two.
Now this is the Law of the Muscovite, that he proves with shot and steel,
When ye come by his isles in the Smoky Sea ye must not take the seal,
Where the gray sea goes nakedly between the weed-hung shelves,
And the little blue fox he is bred for his skin
and the seal they breed for themselves;
For when the ~matkas~ seek the shore to drop their pups aland,
The great man-seal haul out of the sea, a-roaring, band by band;
And when the first September gales have slaked their rutting-wrath,
The great man-seal haul back to the sea and no man knows their path.
Then dark they lie and stark they lie -- rookery, dune, and floe,
And the Northern Lights come down o' nights to dance with the houseless snow;
And God Who clears the grounding berg and steers the grinding floe,
He hears the cry of the little kit-fox and the wind along the snow.
But since our women must walk gay and money buys their gear,
The sealing-boats they filch that way at hazard year by year.
English they be and Japanee that hang on the Brown Bear's flank,
And some be Scot, but the worst of the lot, and the boldest thieves, be Yank!
It was the sealer ~Northern Light~, to the Smoky Seas she bore,
With a stovepipe stuck from a starboard port and the Russian flag at her fore.
(~Baltic~, ~Stralsund~, and ~Northern Light~ --
oh! they were birds of a feather --
Slipping away to the Smoky Seas, three seal-thieves together!)
And at last she came to a sandy cove and the Baltic lay therein,
But her men were up with the herding seal to drive and club and skin.
There were fifteen hundred skins abeach, cool pelt and proper fur,
When the ~Northern Light~ drove into the bight
and the sea-mist drove with her.
The ~Baltic~ called her men and weighed -- she could not choose but run --
For a stovepipe seen through the closing mist, it shows like a four-inch gun.
(And loss it is that is sad as death to lose both trip and ship
And lie for a rotting contraband on Vladivostock slip.)
She turned and dived in the sea-smother as a rabbit dives in the whins,
And the ~Northern Light~ sent up her boats to steal the stolen skins.
They had not brought a load to side or slid their hatches clear,
When they were aware of a sloop-of-war, ghost-white and very near.
Her flag she showed, and her guns she showed -- three of them, black, abeam,
And a funnel white with the crusted salt, but never a show of steam.
There was no time to man the brakes, they knocked the shackle free,
And the ~Northern Light~ stood out again, goose-winged to open sea.
(For life it is that is worse than death, by force of Russian law
To work in the mines of mercury that loose the teeth in your jaw.)
They had not run a mile from shore -- they heard no shots behind --
When the skipper smote his hand on his thigh and threw her up in the wind:
"Bluffed -- raised out on a bluff," said he, "for if my name's Tom Hall,
You must set a thief to catch a thief -- and a thief has caught us all!
By every butt in Oregon and every spar in Maine,
The hand that spilled the wind from her sail was the hand of Reuben Paine!
He has rigged and trigged her with paint and spar,
and, faith, he has faked her well --
But I'd know the ~Stralsund~'s deckhouse yet from here to the booms o' Hell.
Oh, once we ha' met at Baltimore, and twice on Boston pier,
But the sickest day for you, Reuben Paine, was the day that you came here --
The day that you came here, my lad, to scare us from our seal
With your funnel made o' your painted cloth, and your guns o' rotten deal!
Ring and blow for the ~Baltic~ now, and head her back to the bay,
And we'll come into the game again -- with a double deck to play!"
They rang and blew the sealers' call -- the poaching cry of the sea --
And they raised the ~Baltic~ out of the mist, and an angry ship was she:
And blind they groped through the whirling white and blind to the bay again,
Till they heard the creak of the ~Stralsund~'s boom
and the clank of her mooring chain.
They laid them down by bitt and boat, their pistols in their belts,
And:"Will you fight for it, Reuben Paine, or will you share the pelts?"
A dog-toothed laugh laughed Reuben Paine, and bared his flenching-knife.
"Yea, skin for skin, and all that he hath a man will give for his life;
But I've six thousand skins below, and Yeddo Port to see,
And there's never a law of God or man runs north of Fifty-Three:
So go in peace to the naked seas with empty holds to fill,
And I'll be good to your seal this catch, as many as I shall kill!"
Answered the snap of a closing lock and the jar of a gun-butt slid,
But the tender fog shut fold on fold to hide the wrong they did.
The weeping fog rolled fold on fold the wrath of man to cloak,
And the flame-spurts pale ran down the rail as the sealing-rifles spoke.
The bullets bit on bend and butt, the splinter slivered free
(Little they trust to sparrow-dust that stop the seal in his sea!),
The thick smoke hung and would not shift, leaden it lay and blue,
But three were down on the ~Baltic~'s deck and two of the ~Stralsund~'s crew.
An arm's-length out and overside the banked fog held them bound,
But, as they heard or groan or word, they fired at the sound.
For one cried out on the Name of God, and one to have him cease,
And the questing volley found them both and bade them hold their peace;
And one called out on a heathen joss and one on the Virgin's Name,
And the schooling bullet leaped across and showed them whence they came.
And in the waiting silences the rudder whined beneath,
And each man drew his watchful breath slow taken 'tween the teeth --
Trigger and ear and eye acock, knit brow and hard-drawn lips --
Bracing his feet by chock and cleat for the rolling of the ships.
Till they heard the cough of a wounded man that fought in the fog for breath,
Till they heard the torment of Reuben Paine that wailed upon his death:
"The tides they'll go through Fundy Race but I'll go nevermore
And see the hogs from ebb-tide mark turn scampering back to shore.
No more I'll see the trawlers drift below the Bass Rock ground,
Or watch the tall Fall steamer lights tear blazing up the Sound.
Sorrow is me, in a lonely sea and a sinful fight I fall,
But if there's law o' God or man you'll swing for it yet, Tom Hall!"
Tom Hall stood up by the quarter-rail."Your words in your teeth," said he.
"There's never a law of God or man runs north of Fifty-Three.
So go in grace with Him to face, and an ill-spent life behind,
And I'll be good to your widows, Rube, as many as I shall find."
A ~Stralsund~ man shot blind and large, and a war-lock Finn was he,
And he hit Tom Hall with a bursting ball a hand's-breadth over the knee.
Tom Hall caught hold by the topping-lift, and sat him down with an oath,
"You'll wait a little, Rube," he said, "the Devil has called for both.
The Devil is driving both this tide, and the killing-grounds are close,
And we'll go up to the Wrath of God as the holluschickie goes.
O men, put back your guns again and lay your rifles by,
We've fought our fight, and the best are down.Let up and let us die!
Quit firing, by the bow there -- quit!Call off the ~Baltic~'s crew!
You're sure of Hell as me or Rube -- but wait till we get through."
There went no word between the ships, but thick and quick and loud
The life-blood drummed on the dripping decks,
with the fog-dew from the shroud,
The sea-pull drew them side by side, gunnel to gunnel laid,
And they felt the sheerstrakes pound and clear, but never a word was said.
Then Reuben Paine cried out again before his spirit passed:
"Have I followed the sea for thirty years to die in the dark at last?
Curse on her work that has nipped me here with a shifty trick unkind --
I have gotten my death where I got my bread, but I dare not face it blind.
Curse on the fog!Is there never a wind of all the winds I knew
To clear the smother from off my chest, and let me look at the blue?"
The good fog heard -- like a splitten sail, to left and right she tore,
And they saw the sun-dogs in the haze and the seal upon the shore.
Silver and gray ran spit and bay to meet the steel-backed tide,
And pinched and white in the clearing light the crews stared overside.
O rainbow-gay the red pools lay that swilled and spilled and spread,
And gold, raw gold, the spent shell rolled between the careless dead --
The dead that rocked so drunkenwise to weather and to lee,
And they saw the work their hands had done as God had bade them see.
And a little breeze blew over the rail that made the headsails lift,
But no man stood by wheel or sheet, and they let the schooners drift.
And the rattle rose in Reuben's throat and he cast his soul with a cry,
And "Gone already?" Tom Hall he said."Then it's time for me to die."
His eyes were heavy with great sleep and yearning for the land,
And he spoke as a man that talks in dreams, his wound beneath his hand.
"Oh, there comes no good o' the westering wind that backs against the sun;
Wash down the decks -- they're all too red -- and share the skins and run,
~Baltic~, ~Stralsund~, and ~Northern Light~ -- clean share and share for all,
You'll find the fleets off Tolstoi Mees, but you will not find Tom Hall.
Evil he did in shoal-water and blacker sin on the deep,
But now he's sick of watch and trick and now he'll turn and sleep.
He'll have no more of the crawling sea that made him suffer so,
But he'll lie down on the killing-grounds where the holluschickie go.
And west you'll sail and south again, beyond the sea-fog's rim,
And tell the Yoshiwara girls to burn a stick for him.
And you'll not weight him by the heels and dump him overside,
But carry him up to the sand-hollows to die as Bering died,
And make a place for Reuben Paine that knows the fight was fair,
And leave the two that did the wrong to talk it over there!"
Half-steam ahead by guess and lead, for the sun is mostly veiled --
Through fog to fog, by luck and log, sail ye as Bering sailed;
And if the light shall lift aright to give your landfall plain,
North and by west, from Zapne Crest, ye raise the Crosses Twain.
Fair marks are they to the inner bay, the reckless poacher knows
What time the scarred see-catchie lead their sleek seraglios.
Ever they hear the floe-pack clear, and the blast of the old bull-whale,
And the deep seal-roar that beats off-shore above the loudest gale.
Ever they wait the winter's hate as the thundering ~boorga~ calls,
Where northward look they to St. George, and westward to St. Paul's.
Ever they greet the hunted fleet -- lone keels off headlands drear --
When the sealing-schooners flit that way at hazard year by year.
Ever in Yokohama port men tell the tale anew
Of a hidden sea and a hidden fight,
When the ~Baltic~ ran from the ~Northern Light~
And the ~Stralsund~ fought the two.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers: A Deep Dive Into Kipling's Poetic Genius
If there's one thing that can be said about Rudyard Kipling, it's that he was a master storyteller. His tales of adventure and exploration have captivated audiences for generations, and his poetry is no exception. "The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers" is a prime example of Kipling's poetic genius, blending vivid descriptions with a powerful message about the harsh realities of life at sea.
A Summary of the Poem
"The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers" tells the story of three seal hunters who are stranded on an iceberg in the middle of the ocean. They are surrounded by the frozen corpses of their fellow hunters, and they know that they are unlikely to survive. As they wait for their inevitable fate, they reflect on their lives and the choices that led them to this point.
The first sealer, known as "French Frank," is a proud and arrogant man who believes that he is invincible. He recalls the many times that he has cheated death, and he is confident that he will do so again. The second sealer, "English Tom," is a more humble man who regrets the mistakes that he has made in his life. He wishes that he had been more honest and kind to those around him. The third sealer, "Scotch Willie," is a man of faith who believes that his fate is in God's hands. He prays for forgiveness and acceptance into heaven.
As the three men wait for their rescue or their demise, they are confronted by the harsh realities of their situation. They realize that their lives have been filled with violence, greed, and arrogance, and they must face the consequences of their actions. Ultimately, they are forced to confront their own mortality and the fragility of human life.
The Power of Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers" is Kipling's use of vivid imagery. From the frozen corpses of the seal hunters to the shimmering ice that surrounds them, every detail is carefully chosen to create a powerful visual image in the reader's mind. This imagery serves not only to create a sense of place but also to underscore the theme of the poem: the harsh and unforgiving nature of life at sea.
Consider, for example, the following lines:
And the worst was that hunger grew, And the worst was that water quivered in the hold through the whole ship's length, And the worst was that Illness came and the worst was the length of the night.
In just a few short lines, Kipling manages to convey the sheer desperation of the sealers' situation. The hunger and thirst that they feel, the sickness that ravages their bodies, and the endless darkness that surrounds them are all brought to life through the power of his words.
The Three Sealers
Another notable aspect of the poem is the characterization of the three sealers. Each one is presented as a distinct personality, with his own strengths and flaws. French Frank is arrogant and boastful, English Tom is humble and regretful, and Scotch Willie is pious and resigned to his fate. These characters serve not only to create a sense of narrative tension but also to explore deeper themes about human nature.
French Frank, for example, represents the hubris and self-importance that can lead people to make foolish decisions. His confidence in his own abilities ultimately leads to his downfall. English Tom, on the other hand, embodies the idea of regret and the desire for redemption. He wishes that he had lived his life differently and is willing to face the consequences of his actions. Scotch Willie, meanwhile, represents the role of faith in times of crisis. He turns to prayer and acceptance of God's will as a way of coping with his impending death.
A Poem with a Message
Ultimately, "The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers" is a poem with a powerful message. It serves as a warning against the dangers of arrogance, greed, and violence. It reminds us that life is fragile and that we must always be mindful of the consequences of our actions. And it suggests that, even in the face of death, there is hope for redemption and forgiveness.
Perhaps the most powerful message of the poem, however, is the idea of human connection. Despite their differences, the sealers are united by their shared experience of being stranded on the iceberg. They come to understand that they are all in this together and that they must rely on each other for support. This message of unity and solidarity is one that we can all take to heart, particularly in these troubled times.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, "The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers" is a masterpiece of poetic storytelling. Its vivid imagery, powerful characterization, and profound message make it a work of enduring relevance and significance. As we read Kipling's words, we are transported to a world of danger, hardship, and human frailty. And yet, we also find hope for redemption and a sense of human connection that transcends even the most difficult of circumstances. Truly, this is a poem that deserves to be read and cherished by generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Rhyme of the Three Sealers is a classic poem written by Rudyard Kipling, a renowned British author and poet. This poem tells the story of three sealers who embark on a dangerous journey to hunt seals in the Arctic. The poem is written in a unique style, with a rhythmic and rhyming structure that adds to its charm and appeal. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, symbolism, and literary devices used in this poem, and how they contribute to its overall meaning and impact.
The poem begins with an introduction to the three sealers, who are described as "hardy men" with "hearts as tough as leather." They set sail on their ship, the "Elsinore," and brave the treacherous Arctic waters in search of seals. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with its vivid descriptions of the harsh and unforgiving environment in which the sealers must survive. The use of alliteration, such as "ice that ran like water," and "wind that cut like steel," creates a sense of danger and urgency, and draws the reader into the story.
As the sealers continue their journey, they encounter a variety of challenges and obstacles. They face fierce storms, dangerous ice floes, and treacherous currents. The second stanza describes how the sealers must work together to navigate these hazards, with each man taking on a specific role. The use of repetition, such as "each man knew his duty well," emphasizes the importance of teamwork and cooperation in such a dangerous environment.
The third stanza introduces the first major conflict of the poem, as the sealers encounter a rival ship, the "Nancy Bell," also hunting for seals. The two crews engage in a fierce competition, with each trying to outdo the other in the hunt. The use of dialogue, such as "We've got our rights, as well as you," adds a sense of realism and tension to the scene, and highlights the greed and competitiveness of the sealers.
As the hunt continues, the sealers face another challenge, as they come across a group of Inuit hunters. The fourth stanza describes how the sealers view the Inuit with suspicion and distrust, seeing them as rivals for the same prey. The use of imagery, such as "the white man's greed" and "the red man's stealth," highlights the cultural divide between the two groups, and the underlying tensions that exist between them.
The fifth stanza introduces the climax of the poem, as the sealers finally succeed in their hunt, and return to their ship with a bounty of seals. However, their triumph is short-lived, as they soon discover that their ship has been trapped in the ice, and they are unable to escape. The use of irony, such as "the sealers had become the sealed," adds a sense of poetic justice to the story, and highlights the dangers of greed and overconfidence.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the sealers face their inevitable fate, trapped in the ice with no hope of rescue. The use of repetition, such as "the ice-wind's moaning," creates a sense of despair and hopelessness, and emphasizes the finality of their situation. The poem ends with a haunting image of the sealers' ship, frozen in the ice, a testament to the dangers and risks of the Arctic wilderness.
Overall, The Rhyme of the Three Sealers is a powerful and evocative poem, filled with vivid imagery, symbolism, and literary devices. It explores themes of greed, competition, teamwork, and the dangers of the natural world, and does so in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Kipling's use of rhyme and rhythm adds to the poem's appeal, creating a sense of musicality and flow that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. This poem is a true classic of English literature, and a testament to Kipling's skill as a poet and storyteller.
Editor Recommended Sites
Rules Engines: Business rules engines best practice. Discussions on clips, drools, rete algorith, datalog incremental processingCloud Service Mesh: Service mesh framework for cloud applciations
Share knowledge App: Curated knowledge sharing for large language models and chatGPT, multi-modal combinations, model merging
Tech Debt: Learn about technical debt and best practice to avoid it
Managed Service App: SaaS cloud application deployment services directory, best rated services, LLM services
Recommended Similar Analysis
Snow in the Suburbs by Thomas Hardy analysisSonnet 32 - The first time that the sun rose on thine oath by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Written In March by William Wordsworth analysis
I know that He exists by Emily Dickinson analysis
Ode On The Poetical Character by William Collins analysis
I Remembered by Sarah Teasdale analysis
Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns analysis
Death by William Butler Yeats analysis
Oh ! Snatched Away in Beauty's Bloom by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Pain In Pleasure by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis