To Neptune by Oliver Herford (1913)
The poem celebrates the figure of King Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, portraying him as a jovial and powerful entity who governs the ocean's behavior. The speaker invites others to raise their glasses in toast to Neptune, emphasizing his dual nature—calm and sober at times, yet tumultuous and wild at others. The imagery evokes a sense of camaraderie among sailors, who rely on Neptune's favor for safe passage. The poem captures the essence of maritime culture, where respect for the sea and its deities is paramount. The repeated calls to drink and toast reflect a tradition of honoring Neptune, reinforcing the bond between sailors and the ocean. The tone is celebratory, highlighting Neptune's role as both a protector and a force of nature, embodying the unpredictable spirit of the sea. The work ultimately conveys themes of respect, tradition, and the relationship between humanity and the natural world.
By Oliver Herford · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy · 125 words
First lines
A health to King Neptune, / The boss of the wave!
Who sits on the Ocean / And makes it behave.
Come fill up your bumpers / And take a long pull!
When he's calm he's not dry -- / When he rolls, he's not full.
What this Textopian page supports
To Neptune is listed on Textopian as a poem by Oliver Herford, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Oliver Herford
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Humor, Fantasy, Celebratory, Nautical
- Length: 125 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
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- Work identity for To Neptune by Oliver Herford
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on rhythm and imagery.
- Humor — The playful tone and lighthearted subject matter contribute to a humorous interpretation of King Neptune.
- Fantasy — The personification of King Neptune and the whimsical portrayal of oceanic themes suggest elements of fantasy.
- Celebratory — The text serves as a toast, celebrating King Neptune and maritime culture.
Tags
Satire · Poetry · Humor · Science Fiction · Space Exploration · Adventure · Fantasy · Travel · Journey · Discovery · Mythology · Cosmology