Introduction
Andrew Marvell, a prominent 17th-century English poet, is known for his thought-provoking and metaphysical poetry. The Poem Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland has a political tone. Accordingly, Oliver Cromwell returned from Ireland in May 1650 to take part in the Scottish campaign. He entered Scotland on July 22, 1650. The poem is believed to be written between these dates. The poem was, in fact, cancelled from all known copies except one of the edition of 1681. Let us have a look at the lines.
The Text:
The forward youth that would appear
Must now forsake his Muses dear,
Nor in the shadows sing
His numbers languishing.
’Tis time to leave the books in dust,
And oil th’ unused armour’s rust,
Removing from the wall
The corslet of the hall.
So restless Cromwell could not cease
In the inglorious arts of peace,
But thorough advent’rous war
Urged his active star.
And like the three-fork’d lightning, first
Breaking the clouds where it was nurst,
Did through his own side
His fiery way divide.
For ’tis all one to courage high,
The emulous or enemy;
And with such to enclose
Is more than to oppose.
Then burning through the air he went,
And palaces and temples rent;
And Cæsar’s head at last
Did through his laurels blast.
’Tis madness to resist or blame
The force of angry Heaven’s flame;
And, if we would speak true,
Much to the man is due,
Who from his private gardens where
He liv’d reserved and austere,
As if his highest plot
To plant the bergamot,
Could by industrious valour climb
To ruin the great work of time,
And cast the kingdom old
Into another mould.
Though justice against fate complain,
And plead the ancient rights in vain;
But those do hold or break
As men are strong or weak.
Nature that hateth emptiness
Allows of penetration less,
And therefore must make room
Where greater spirits come.
What field of all the civil wars
Where his were not the deepest scars?
And Hampton shows what part
He had of wiser art,
Where, twining subtle fears with hope,
He wove a net of such a scope
That Charles himself might chase
To Carisbrooke’s narrow case,
That thence the royal actor borne
The tragic scaffold might adorn,
While round the armed bands
Did clap their bloody hands.
He nothing common did or mean
Upon that memorable scene,
But with his keener eye
The axe’s edge did try;
Nor call’d the gods with vulgar spite
To vindicate his helpless right,
But bowed his comely head
Down as upon a bed.
This was that memorable hour
Which first assur’d the forced pow’r.
So when they did design
The Capitol’s first line,
A bleeding head, where they begun,
Did fright the architects to run;
And yet in that the state
Foresaw its happy fate.
And now the Irish are asham’d
To see themselves in one year tam’d;
So much one man can do
That does both act and know.
They can affirm his praises best,
And have, though overcome, confest
How good he is, how just,
And fit for highest trust;
Nor yet grown stiffer with command,
But still in the republic’s hand;
How fit he is to sway
That can so well obey.
He to the Commons’ feet presents
A kingdom for his first year’s rents;
And, what he may, forbears
His fame, to make it theirs,
And has his sword and spoils ungirt,
To lay them at the public’s skirt.
So when the falcon high
Falls heavy from the sky,
She, having kill’d, no more does search
But on the next green bough to perch,
Where, when he first does lure,
The falc’ner has her sure.
What may not then our isle presume
While victory his crest does plume!
What may not others fear
If thus he crown each year!
A Cæsar he ere long to Gaul,
To Italy an Hannibal,
And to all states not free,
Shall climacteric be.
The Pict no shelter now shall find
Within his parti-colour’d mind;
But from this valour sad
Shrink underneath the plaid,
Happy if in the tufted brake
The English hunter him mistake,
Nor lay his hounds in near
The Caledonian deer.
But thou, the war’s and fortune’s son,
March indefatigably on;
And for the last effect
Still keep thy sword erect;
Besides the force it has to fright
The spirits of the shady night,
The same arts that did gain
A pow’r, must it maintain.
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| For representational purpose only |
Summary
Andrew Marvell's Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland portrays the accomplishments and character of Oliver Cromwell, a prominent military and political figure of his time. The poem commences by urging young individuals to leave behind their literary pursuits and take up the call of action. It reflects on how Cromwell, a restless and daring leader, transitioned from a life of contemplation to one of active warfare, drawing parallels with the way lightning bursts through clouds.
The passage then highlights Cromwell's determination and courage during the English Civil War, likening his resilience to lightning that strikes both competitors and adversaries alike. Cromwell's actions are seen as guided by a divine force, and his audaciousness is underscored by his role in toppling established structures, symbolized by the reference to Caesar's 'laurels' being blasted (The Laurel was popularly supposed to be immune to lightning.)
The poet acknowledges the power of destiny and the limitations of resistance against celestial forces. Cromwell's capacity to reshape and influence the course of events is emphasized, as he navigates the complexities of politics and warfare. He is credited with crafting strategic moves to ensnare his opponents, illustrated by his influence over King Charles I's captivity and execution.
Cromwell's character is further illuminated as one of resolve and intellect. He relinquishes his personal gains to the Parliament and nation, displaying both obedience and leadership prowess. His humility during times of triumph is compared to a falcon's return to a perch after a successful hunt.
The poem concludes by envisioning the potential of Cromwell's reign, likening him to historical conquerors like Caesar and Hannibal. His influence is anticipated to extend even to the distant Picts of Scotland*, demonstrating his capacity to shape and impact diverse territories. The lines celebrate Cromwell's martial spirit, strategic brilliance, and his potential to become a figure of historical importance.
* The Picts were a group of people who lived in Britain in the Pre-Viking, Early Middle Ages.
Analysis
Let us understand the poem a bit more deep. For our convenience, I have divided the lines in to the following sections:
(a) Lines 1-8:
The poem opens by addressing the "forward youth," the ambitious young people who aspire to make a mark. These individuals are encouraged to leave behind their artistic pursuits ("Muses dear") and poetic creations, as it's now a time for action. The phrase "in the shadows sing" implies that poetic musings should be set aside. Instead, they are urged to engage in real-world activities. This shift is likened to leaving books to gather dust and tending to unused armor ("oil th' unused armour's rust"). The imagery of armor suggests the transition from peaceful contemplation to active involvement.
(b) Lines 9-16:
The poet introduces Oliver Cromwell, portraying him as someone restless and unable to remain content in peaceful endeavors. He is depicted as a leader who thrives in the realm of daring warfare, driven by a proactive destiny ("Urged his active star"). The metaphor of "three-fork'd lightning" describes Cromwell's bold and swift actions, much like lightning that breaks through clouds. The reference to the lightning dividing through his own side signifies his audacity to challenge himself and his own limits.
(c) Lines 17-24:
Cromwell's courage is highlighted, indicating that he treats friends and foes alike, viewing both as challenges that fuel his determination. Enclosing and subduing opposition is considered more powerful than merely opposing it. The metaphor of "burning through the air" describes his unstoppable progression, even tearing down significant structures like palaces and temples. The mention of "Cæsar's head" suggests Cromwell's triumphs, comparable to Caesar's victories, even surpassing them.
(d) Lines 25-32:
The poet contends that it is futile to resist or criticize the divine force that propels individuals like Cromwell. The notion that much is owed to such men who rise above their circumstances is emphasized. Cromwell's transformation from a private, reserved life to a figure of immense influence is likened to cultivating a garden ("To plant the bergamot"). His industrious valor enables him to reshape the course of history and transform the old kingdom.
(e) Lines 33-40:
The poem reflects on the struggle between justice and fate, indicating that sometimes justice cannot overcome the power of destiny. Strength determines the outcome, and individuals who hold power may either maintain or undermine the established order. The imagery of "penetration" and "greater spirits" implies that strong and visionary leaders create change.
(f) Lines 41-48:
The poet suggests that Cromwell's deep scars from his participation in the civil wars are evident across various battlefields. The reference to Hampton highlights Cromwell's strategic intelligence. His ability to weave intricate plans that mix fear and hope is exemplified, with Charles I being manipulated to captivity at Carisbrooke Castle.
(In November 1647, Charles I took refuge in Carisbrooke Castle in the Isle of Wight.)
(g) Lines 49-56:
Cromwell's demeanor during significant moments is described. He approaches challenges with a sharp focus ("keener eye") and calmly faces adversity without invoking divine intervention for his personal gain. His humility is symbolized by bowing his head, even in moments of crisis.
(h) Lines 57-64:
The "memorable hour" refers to a pivotal moment that assured Cromwell's ascendancy to power. The analogy of the "bleeding head" beginning the construction of the Capitol's first line represents the initial challenges and difficulties faced in building a new order. Despite the obstacles, the state foresaw a positive outcome.
(i) Lines 65-72:
The Irish are humbled by Cromwell's swift conquest, emphasizing his ability to subdue a nation in a short period. The idea that one individual can both act and understand ("act and know") underscores Cromwell's prowess. The poem acknowledges Cromwell's qualities of goodness, justice, and trustworthiness, along with his ability to maintain humility despite authority.
(j) Lines 73-80:
Cromwell's willingness to relinquish personal fame for the common good is exemplified. He presents a kingdom's annual rents to the Commons and humbly lays down his sword and spoils for the public's benefit. The falcon metaphor depicts his disciplined and focused approach.
(k) Lines 81-88:
The poet envisions the potential for England's advancement, drawing parallels to historical conquerors like Caesar and Hannibal. Cromwell's crest symbolizing victory suggests that the nation can achieve greatness under his leadership. The lines indicate that other states might fear his influence if he continues to succeed.
(l) Lines 89-96:
Cromwell is compared to Caesar and Hannibal once again, implying that he could become a pivotal historical figure in the mold of these renowned leaders. The "Climacteric" reference suggests a turning point or climax, indicating that Cromwell's influence will be transformational.
(m) Lines 97-104:
The "Pict" represents the Scottish, who are no longer safe from Cromwell's military prowess. The phrase "parti-colour'd mind" alludes to the diversity of the Scottish population. The imagery of the falcon and the plaid signifies Cromwell's influence in Scotland, and the potential for the English to inadvertently target the Scottish ("hunter him mistake").
(n) Lines 105-112:
The final stanza addresses Cromwell directly, acknowledging his status as a son of war and fortune. He is encouraged to persist in his pursuits without faltering, keeping his sword raised. His ability to intimidate even the spirits of the night reflects his strength. The "arts" that gained him power must be maintained for that power to endure.
Overall, these lines celebrate Cromwell's bold actions, strategic brilliance, and potential to reshape history, while also highlighting his humility and capacity for leadership. The poem paints a complex portrait of Cromwell's character and achievements, blending political praise with literary artistry.
Themes
Let's analyse the underlying themes in the poem. Marvell's Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland touches upon several key themes that are woven into the narrative. Here are the prominent themes discussed in these lines:
1. Transition from Peace to Action:
The opening lines of the poem convey a sense of transition from a contemplative and artistic existence ("Muses dear") to one of action and engagement in the world. The call for the "forward youth" to leave behind their literary pursuits and engage in practical endeavors serves as a thematic foundation. This theme underscores the idea that there are moments in history when passive reflection must give way to active involvement and impact.
2. Leadership and Action:
The theme of leadership and action is central to the portrayal of Oliver Cromwell. The lines emphasize Cromwell's restless nature and his inability to remain complacent in times of peace. His inclination towards "adventurous war" and his determination to pursue his destiny ("active star") are highlighted. This theme reflects the idea that effective leaders often rise to prominence through their willingness to engage in active and often audacious pursuits.
3. Divine Will and Destiny:
Throughout the lines, there's a recurrent theme of destiny and divine intervention. The comparison of Cromwell's actions to "three-fork'd lightning" breaking through clouds suggests that his course of action is guided by a higher power. The notion that resisting or blaming divine forces is futile reflects the theme of accepting the role of fate in human affairs.
4. Transformation and Reshaping of History:
The theme of transformation is present as the lines discuss Cromwell's ability to reshape the course of history. His transition from a reserved and private life to a figure capable of "climbing to ruin the great work of time" symbolizes his transformative impact. The metaphor of reshaping the "kingdom old into another mould" highlights the power of a single individual to effect substantial change.
5. Justification of Actions:
The theme of justification is explored in the context of Cromwell's actions and decisions. The lines examine the conflict between "justice" and "fate," suggesting that sometimes even just causes may fall victim to the force of destiny. Cromwell's actions are depicted as necessary and justifiable responses to the circumstances he faces, even if they challenge established norms.
6. Humility and Obedience:
The lines also touch upon the themes of humility and obedience in leadership. Cromwell's ability to both command and obey is celebrated. The description of him presenting a kingdom's rents to the Commons, his willingness to "forbear" his own fame, and his gesture of laying his sword and spoils at the public's feet highlight his humility and commitment to the common good.
7. Strength and Resilience:
The theme of strength and resilience is woven into the narrative as well. Cromwell's "courage high" and his capacity to endure scars from civil wars underscore the idea of enduring and thriving in the face of challenges. His ability to overcome obstacles and leave a mark demonstrates strength of character and determination.
8. Historical Transformation and Legacy:
The theme of historical transformation and legacy is significant. The lines anticipate the lasting impact of Cromwell's actions, comparing him to historical figures like Caesar and Hannibal. The idea that he will become a "Caesar to Gaul" and a "Hannibal to Italy" highlights the expectation of his influence shaping the course of history.
In essence, this poem explores the themes of leadership, destiny, transformation, humility, and the interplay between personal actions and broader historical forces. Through the portrayal of Cromwell's actions and their consequences, the lines reflect on the dynamic and complex nature of power, leadership, and the role of individuals in shaping the trajectory of nations.
Conclusion
The Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland stands as a remarkable piece of literature that delves into the intricate relationship between power, leadership, and the ethical dilemmas that accompany them. Marvell's ability to balance celebration and critique within the confines of a Horatian ode showcases his mastery of the poetic form and his keen understanding of the socio-political landscape of his time. As readers, we are left with a compelling exploration of human ambition and its consequences, a timeless theme that continues to resonate across centuries and civilizations.
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