'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 Journey Through Time

Introduction

Michael Drayton's "To The Virginian Voyage" is a classic poem that has been celebrated for centuries due to its historical significance, deep philosophical underpinnings, and its unique poetic style. The poem can be seen as a journey through time, as it captures the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined the Age of Discovery.

In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and motifs in this poem, analyze its structure and language, and discuss how it reflects the historical context in which it was written. From the very first line, "You brave heroic minds," the poem challenges us to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, both literal and metaphorical.

Historical Context

"To The Virginian Voyage" was written in 1606, at a time when England was undergoing a period of rapid change and expansion. The Age of Discovery was in full swing, and European powers were competing fiercely for control of new territories and resources.

England was no exception to this trend, and in 1606, the Virginia Company was founded with the aim of establishing a permanent English settlement in the Americas. The first expedition to Virginia set sail in December of that year, and it is this historical event that forms the backdrop for Drayton's poem.

Structure and Language

The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This creates a sense of rhythm and regularity that reflects the steady progress of the expedition.

At the same time, the language is rich and evocative, full of metaphors and allusions that convey the sense of wonder and excitement that the explorers must have felt. For instance, the metaphor of the "heavenly touch" in the second stanza suggests that the voyage is not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well.

The language is also infused with a sense of patriotism and national identity. The explorers are described as "brave heroic minds" and "noble hearts," and the poem celebrates their willingness to venture forth into unknown territory in the name of England.

Themes and Motifs

One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of exploration and discovery. The explorers are described as "bold adventurers" who are eager to "search the secrets of the West." The poem celebrates the spirit of curiosity and adventure that drove the Age of Discovery, and suggests that it is a fundamental part of the human experience.

At the same time, the poem also raises questions about the nature of exploration and colonization. The explorers are depicted as brave and noble, but there is also a sense that they are venturing into territory that does not belong to them. The phrase "to seek a country" in the first stanza suggests that the explorers are attempting to claim land that is not theirs.

This tension between exploration and colonization is explored further in the third and fourth stanzas. The explorers are described as "divine" and "godlike," but there is also a sense that they are imposing their own culture and values on the native peoples they encounter. The phrase "make them to know" in the third stanza suggests that the explorers see themselves as missionaries, bringing civilization to the "savage" lands they encounter.

The motif of time is also important in the poem. The explorers are depicted as embarking on a journey through time, leaving behind the familiar world of England and venturing into a new and unknown future. The phrase "the tide of time" in the second stanza suggests that the voyage is part of a larger historical movement, and that the explorers are part of a larger narrative of human progress and change.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "To The Virginian Voyage" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration that defined the Age of Discovery. Through its rich language, complex themes, and striking imagery, the poem invites us to embark on a journey of discovery and self-discovery.

At the same time, the poem also raises important questions about the nature of exploration and colonization, and challenges us to think critically about the legacy of this period in history. Ultimately, "To The Virginian Voyage" reminds us that the journey of exploration and discovery is never truly over, and that we are always capable of venturing forth into the unknown in search of new horizons.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry To The Virginian Voyage: A Journey of Exploration and Ambition

Michael Drayton's "Poetry To The Virginian Voyage" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of exploration and ambition that characterized the Age of Discovery. Written in 1606, the poem celebrates the voyage of the English settlers who sailed to Virginia in search of new lands and opportunities. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and powerful themes, the poem remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers today.

The poem begins with a call to arms, as Drayton urges the English to embark on a great adventure:

"You brave heroic minds,
Worthy your country's name,
That honour still pursue,
Go and subdue!"

This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Drayton encourages his readers to embrace their courage and determination, and to set out on a journey of discovery and conquest. The use of the word "heroic" emphasizes the bravery and valor that the English settlers will need to succeed in their mission, while the phrase "worthy your country's name" suggests that their actions will bring honor and glory to England.

The second stanza of the poem describes the journey itself, as the English ships set sail across the vast ocean:

"Behold the world's delight,
The spring of all content:
The tempting blooming fields,
The banks for profit meant."

Here, Drayton uses vivid imagery to evoke the beauty and promise of the new lands that the English are about to explore. The phrase "world's delight" suggests that the journey will be a source of joy and wonder, while the words "spring of all content" imply that the new lands will provide everything that the English could possibly desire. The "tempting blooming fields" and "banks for profit meant" suggest that the English are not only seeking adventure and discovery, but also economic gain and prosperity.

The third stanza of the poem emphasizes the challenges and dangers that the English will face on their journey:

"No country's mirth exceeds
Our northern island's bliss
Nor any clime breeds better hearts
More wise, more valiant, than this."

Here, Drayton acknowledges that England is a great nation, with a proud history and a strong sense of identity. However, he also suggests that the English will need to be brave and wise in order to overcome the obstacles that they will encounter on their journey. The phrase "more wise, more valiant" emphasizes the importance of intelligence and courage in the face of adversity.

The fourth stanza of the poem describes the English ships as they sail across the ocean:

"No more the thirsty entrance of this soil
Shall daub her lips with her own children's blood;
No more shall trenching war channel her fields,
Nor bruise her flow'rets with the armed hoofs
Of hostile paces."

Here, Drayton contrasts the violence and bloodshed of England's past with the promise of a new, peaceful future in the new lands. The phrase "thirsty entrance of this soil" suggests that England has been thirsty for new lands and opportunities, while the phrase "daub her lips with her own children's blood" implies that England has suffered greatly in the past, both in terms of war and in terms of the loss of its own people. The image of "trenching war channeling her fields" and "bruising her flow'rets with the armed hoofs of hostile paces" suggests that the English have been through a great deal of pain and suffering, but that they are now ready to leave that behind and embrace a new, more peaceful future.

The fifth stanza of the poem describes the new lands that the English will explore:

"To plant our rightful claim,
That long time lay in waste,
Faire Britaine's glories
In these far fetch'd countries shine."

Here, Drayton emphasizes the importance of claiming new lands for England, and of bringing the glory and splendor of the English nation to these new territories. The phrase "fair Britaine's glories" suggests that England is a great nation with much to offer, while the phrase "in these far fetch'd countries shine" implies that the English will bring light and civilization to the new lands that they will explore.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem concludes with a call to action:

"And as the bright sun glorifies the sky,
So is her face illumin'd with her eye;
Whose beams upon his hairless face are fix'd,
As if from thence they borrow'd all their shine."

Here, Drayton uses a metaphor to suggest that the English settlers will bring light and enlightenment to the new lands that they will explore. The image of the "bright sun glorifying the sky" suggests that the English will bring a new dawn to the new lands, while the phrase "her face illumin'd with her eye" implies that England's beauty and splendor will shine forth in the new territories. The final lines of the poem, "As if from thence they borrow'd all their shine," suggest that the English settlers will draw strength and inspiration from their homeland, and that they will carry the spirit of England with them as they explore new lands and opportunities.

In conclusion, Michael Drayton's "Poetry To The Virginian Voyage" is a powerful and inspiring poem that captures the spirit of exploration and ambition that characterized the Age of Discovery. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and powerful themes, the poem remains a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers today. Whether we are exploring new lands, pursuing our dreams, or simply seeking to live our lives with courage and determination, this poem reminds us of the power of the human spirit, and of the endless possibilities that lie before us.

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