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Bermudas by Andrew Marvell

Analysis

This is an iambic tetrameter arranged in couplets that rhyme. The beginning consists of four-lines as an introduction then uses the next thirty-two as a thanksgiving song sung by people as they row a boat. The poem ends with a four line conclusion by the narrator who identifies the rowers as English.

During Marvell's time, it was common to write poems or plays based on historical events. They were meant as a way to share history along with a way to entertain the audience about something they might have in common with each other--such as knowing the story by heart.

Poem

Bermudas
By 

Where the remote Bermudas ride
In th' Oceans bosome unespy'd,
From a small Boat, that row'd along,
The listning Winds receiv'd this Song.
What should we do but sing his Praise
That led us through the watry Maze,
Unto an Isle so long unknown,
And yet far kinder than our own?
Where he the huge Sea-Monsters wracks,
That lift the Deep upon their Backs.
He lands us on a grassy stage;
Safe from the Storms, and Prelat's rage.
He gave us this eternal Spring,
Which here enamells every thing;
And sends the Fowl's to us in care,
On daily Visits through the Air,
He hangs in shades the Orange bright,
Like golden Lamps in a green Night.
And does in the Pomgranates close,
Jewels more rich than Ormus show's.
He makes the Figs our mouths to meet;
And throws the Melons at our feet.
But Apples plants of such a price,
No Tree could ever bear them twice.
With Cedars, chosen by his hand,
From Lebanon, he stores the Land.
And makes the hollow Seas, that roar,
Proclaime the Ambergris on shoar.
He cast (of which we rather boast)
The Gospels Pearl upon our coast.
And in these Rocks for us did frame
A Temple, where to sound his Name.
Oh let our Voice his Praise exalt,
Till it arrive at Heavens Vault:
Which thence (perhaps) rebounding, may
Eccho beyond the Mexique Bay.
Thus sung they, in the English boat,
An holy and a chearful Note,
And all the way, to guide their Chime,
With falling Oars they kept the time.

Published in "The Poems of Andrew Marvell" .

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Nationality
English

Literary Movement
Metaphysical, 17th Century

Subjects
Thanksgiving, Boat, Nature