The German Fleet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
The poem tells the story of a German fleet that sets sail for a distant land, driven by ambition and pride. As they journey across the seas, they encounter a fierce storm that tests their resolve and ultimately leads to their downfall. The poem explores themes of hubris, fate, and the powerlessness of humanity against nature's fury.
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Historical · 168 words
First lines
Lie down, and let the billows hide your shame, / Oh, shorn and naked outcast of the seas! / You who confided to each ocean breeze / Your coming conquests, and made loud acclaim / Of your own grandeur and exalted fame; / You who have catered to they world's disease; / You who have drunk hate's wine, and found the lees; / Lie down! and let all men forget your name!
You dreamed of world dominion! you! the spawn / Of hell and hatred-Foe to all things free- / Sworn enemy to honour, truth and right; / Too poor a thing now for the Devil's pawn, / Let the large mercy of the outraged sea / Engulf and hide you evermore from sight.
What this Textopian page supports
The German Fleet is listed on Textopian as a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox, dated 1898 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Date: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Historical, Political, Satire
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The German Fleet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Similar titles
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- Haig Is Moving by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Ode To The British Fleet by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- The Song Of The Allies by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Prayer In Time Of War by Edith Nesbit
- Fighting France From Dunkerque To Belport by Edith Wharton
Genres
- Poetry — The text is written in verse, with a focus on rhythm, meter, and imagery.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around conflict, conquest, and the consequences of war.
- Historical — The content references historical events and entities, particularly related to naval warfare.
- Political — The work critiques political ambitions and ideologies, particularly those related to domination and power.
Tags
War · Navy · Maritime · History · German · Fleet · Military · Sea · Battleships · Cruisers · Destroyers · Submarines