'The Merchantmen' by Rudyard Kipling

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King Solomon drew merchantmen,
Because of his desire
For peacocks, apes, and ivory,
From Tarshish unto Tyre:
With cedars out of Lebanon
Which Hiram rafted down,
But we be only sailormen
That use in London Town.

Coastwise -- cross-seas -- round the world and back again --
Where the flaw shall head us or the full Trade suits --
Plain-sail -- storm-sail -- lay your board and tack again --
And that's the way we'll pay Paddy Doyle for his boots!

We bring no store of ingots,
Of spice or precious stones,
But that we have we gathered
With sweat and aching bones:
In flame beneath the tropics,
In frost upon the floe,
And jeopardy of every wind
That does between them go.

And some we got by purchase,
And some we had by trade,
And some we found by courtesy
Of pike and carronade --
At midnight, 'mid-sea meetings,
For charity to keep,
And light the rolling homeward-bound
That rode a foot too deep.

By sport of bitter weather
We're walty, strained, and scarred
From the kentledge on the kelson
To the slings upon the yard.
Six oceans had their will of us
To carry all away --
Our galley's in the Baltic,
And our boom's in Mossel Bay!

We've floundered off the Texel,
Awash with sodden deals,
We've slipped from Valparaiso
With the Norther at our heels:
We've ratched beyond the Crossets
That tusk the Southern Pole,
And dipped our gunnels under
To the dread Agulhas roll.

Beyond all outer charting
We sailed where none have sailed,
And saw the land-lights burning
On islands none have hailed;
Our hair stood up for wonder,
But, when the night was done,
There danced the deep to windward
Blue-empty 'neath the sun!

Strange consorts rode beside us
And brought us evil luck;
The witch-fire climbed our channels,
And flared on vane and truck:
Till, through the red tornado,
That lashed us nigh to blind,
We saw The Dutchman plunging,
Full canvas, head to wind!

We've heard the Midnight Leadsman
That calls the black deep down --
Ay, thrice we've heard The Swimmer,
The Thing that may not drown.
On frozen bunt and gasket
The sleet-cloud drave her hosts,
When, manned by more than signed with us,
We passed the Isle o' Ghosts!

And north, amid the hummocks,
A biscuit-toss below,
We met the silent shallop
That frighted whalers know;
For, down a cruel ice-lane,
That opened as he sped,
We saw dead Henry Hudson
Steer, North by West, his dead.

So dealt God's waters with us
Beneath the roaring skies,
So walked His signs and marvels
All naked to our eyes:
But we were heading homeward
With trade to lose or make --
Good Lord, they slipped behind us
In the tailing of our wake!

Let go, let go the anchors;
Now shamed at heart are we
To bring so poor a cargo home
That had for gift the sea!
Let go the great bow-anchors --
Ah, fools were we and blind --
The worst we stored with utter toil,
The best we left behind!

Coastwise -- cross-seas -- round the world and back again,
Whither flaw shall fail us or the Trades drive down:
Plain-sail -- storm-sail -- lay your board and tack again --
And all to bring a cargo up to London Town!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Merchantmen by Rudyard Kipling: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Have you ever read a poem that transported you to a different time and place? A poem that made you hear the sound of the waves crashing against a ship's hull, smell the sea air, and feel the thrill of adventure? If not, then you need to read Rudyard Kipling's "The Merchantmen." This poem is a masterpiece of poetry, and it deserves to be studied and appreciated by every lover of literature.

The Merchantmen: A Brief Overview

"The Merchantmen" is a poem that tells the story of a group of merchant ships that are sailing from port to port, trading goods and facing the perils of the sea. The poem is divided into seven stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the life of these sailors.

In the first stanza, Kipling introduces us to the merchant ships and their crews. We learn that these sailors are not like the pirates and buccaneers that we usually associate with the sea. They are hard-working men who face danger every day and who never know what the next port will bring.

The second stanza describes the ships themselves. Kipling paints a vivid picture of these vessels, with their tall masts, graceful lines, and colorful flags. He also notes that these ships are not built for speed or warfare, but for carrying cargo and enduring the harsh conditions of the sea.

The third stanza takes us on a journey with the merchant ships as they sail from port to port. We see them navigating treacherous waters, facing storms and gales, and relying on their skills and experience to stay afloat.

The fourth stanza describes the dangers that the sailors face from pirates and privateers. Kipling notes that these sailors are not defenseless, and that they are armed with muskets and cannon to protect themselves and their cargo.

The fifth stanza takes us to a peaceful moment, as the sailors enjoy a calm sea and a clear sky. Kipling notes that these moments of tranquility are rare, but that they are what make the life of a sailor so rewarding.

The sixth stanza describes the sailors' arrival at a new port, where they trade their goods and make new friends. Kipling notes that these sailors are not just traders, but ambassadors of their countries, who help to build bridges between nations.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the sailors prepare to set sail once more. Kipling notes that these sailors are not just men, but heroes, who face danger and hardship with courage and determination.

The Merchantmen: A Closer Look

Now that we have a general idea of what "The Merchantmen" is about, let's take a closer look at some of the key themes and literary devices that Kipling uses in this poem.

Theme: The Perils of the Sea

One of the most prominent themes in "The Merchantmen" is the perils of the sea. Kipling does not shy away from describing the dangers that these sailors face, from storms and gales to pirates and privateers. He also notes that the life of a sailor is one of constant uncertainty, with no guarantee that they will reach their destination or return home safely.

But despite all of these dangers, Kipling also shows us the bravery and resilience of these sailors. They are not just victims of the sea, but masters of it, who have learned to navigate its treacherous waters and survive its worst storms.

Theme: The Rewards of Adventure

Another prominent theme in "The Merchantmen" is the rewards of adventure. Kipling notes that the life of a sailor is not just one of danger and hardship, but also of excitement and discovery. These sailors get to see new lands, meet new people, and experience things that most of us can only dream of.

Kipling also notes that the life of a sailor is one of camaraderie and friendship. These sailors are not just colleagues, but brothers who share a bond forged by the perils of the sea.

Literary Devices: Imagery and Personification

One of the things that makes "The Merchantmen" such a powerful poem is its use of imagery and personification. Kipling uses vivid descriptions to bring the ships and the sea to life, and he personifies the sea as a living, breathing creature that can be both gentle and deadly.

For example, in the second stanza, Kipling describes the ships as "creatures of the sea" that are "gaily bedight." He also notes that the sea is a "jealous mistress" that can turn on the sailors at any moment.

In the third stanza, Kipling uses imagery to describe the sailors' journey, noting that they "plough the furrows of the main" and "ride the ridges of the wave."

And in the fifth stanza, Kipling personifies the sea as a "smiling jade" that "kisses the white sails" of the merchant ships.

Literary Devices: Rhyme and Rhythm

Another thing that makes "The Merchantmen" such a powerful poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. Kipling uses a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with four beats per line, to create a sense of musicality and flow. This helps to make the poem more memorable and easier to read aloud.

Kipling also varies the rhythm of the poem, using longer and shorter lines to create a sense of movement and change. This helps to keep the reader engaged and interested, even as the poem describes the sometimes monotonous life of a sailor.

Conclusion: The Importance of "The Merchantmen"

In conclusion, "The Merchantmen" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be studied and appreciated by every lover of literature. It tells the story of a group of merchant ships and their crews, who face the perils of the sea with courage and determination. It also explores themes of adventure, camaraderie, and the rewards of taking risks.

Through its use of imagery, personification, rhyme, and rhythm, "The Merchantmen" creates a vivid and memorable portrait of life at sea. It is a poem that transports the reader to a different time and place, and that reminds us of the bravery and resilience of those who have faced the perils of the sea throughout history.

So, have you read "The Merchantmen" yet? If not, what are you waiting for? This is a poem that will stay with you long after you finish reading it, and that will inspire you to take risks and embrace adventure in your own life.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Merchantmen: A Masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. Among his many masterpieces, "The Merchantmen" is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for over a century. This poem is a tribute to the brave sailors who risk their lives to transport goods across the seas. In this article, we will delve into the depths of this poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem "The Merchantmen" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a group of merchant sailors who are sailing across the seas. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with eight lines. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABABCCDD, which gives it a musical quality. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each foot. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality that makes it easy to read and recite.

The poem begins with the description of the merchant ships sailing across the seas. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem by describing the harsh conditions that the sailors face. The opening lines of the poem, "Oh, the sight entrancing, / When morning's beam is glancing / O'er files arrayed / With helm and blade," create a vivid image of the ships sailing across the seas. The use of the word "entrancing" suggests that the sight is beautiful and captivating. However, the next lines of the poem, "And each proud prow / To the heaving water bow, / With the grace of a bird / And the strength of a tower," suggest that the ships are facing rough waters and that the sailors are battling against the elements.

The second stanza of the poem focuses on the bravery of the sailors. The lines, "Oh, the sight appalling, / When the sky's low crawling, / With the rack and the reek / Of the typhoon's shriek," create a sense of danger and fear. The use of the word "appalling" suggests that the sailors are facing a life-threatening situation. However, the next lines of the poem, "And the white waves' lash / Is a roaring flash, / And the gleaming rails / Are beaten to flails," suggest that the sailors are not afraid and are fighting against the storm with all their might.

The third stanza of the poem focuses on the importance of the sailors' work. The lines, "Oh, the sight entrancing, / When the night's black-winging / Drives a schooner fast, / By a shoal o' the blast," create a sense of urgency and importance. The use of the word "entrancing" suggests that the sailors are doing something important and valuable. The next lines of the poem, "And her topsails' low / With the creak and the throw, / Swing round and again / Full tilt to the men," suggest that the sailors are skilled and experienced and that they are able to navigate the ship through the stormy waters.

The final stanza of the poem focuses on the camaraderie and brotherhood among the sailors. The lines, "Oh, the sight entrancing, / When all around is dancing / In the lurid light, / And the furnaces bite," create a sense of unity and brotherhood. The use of the word "entrancing" suggests that the sailors are united and working together. The next lines of the poem, "And the engine's moan / Is a monotone, / And the banded crew / Like a great heart true," suggest that the sailors are working together as a team and that they are all committed to the same goal.

The poem "The Merchantmen" is a masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling that captures the bravery, skill, and camaraderie of the merchant sailors. The poem is structured in a way that creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which makes it easy to read and recite. The use of literary devices such as imagery, alliteration, and repetition creates a vivid image of the sailors and their work. The poem is a tribute to the unsung heroes of the seas who risk their lives to transport goods across the world. It is a reminder of the importance of their work and the sacrifices that they make to keep the world moving.

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