The Merchantmen by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows the experiences of sailors who traverse the seas, contrasting their humble trade with the grand ambitions of historical merchantmen. The poem opens with a reference to King Solomon's legendary trade routes, emphasizing the wealth of exotic goods he sought. In contrast, the sailors acknowledge their own meager cargo, which they have acquired through hard labor and perilous journeys across various oceans. The sailors recount their trials, facing harsh weather, treacherous waters, and encounters with other vessels, including ghostly apparitions and legendary figures. They reflect on the toll of their voyages, marked by physical scars and emotional strain, as they navigate through storms and navigate uncharted territories. Despite their hardships, they express a sense of wonder at the beauty and danger of the sea. As they approach home, the sailors grapple with feelings of shame for the lack of valuable goods they bring back, realizing that the true treasures of their journey were the experiences and sights they encountered along the way. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of the sacrifices made and the realization that the most significant aspects of their journey cannot be quantified in material wealth. The refrain emphasizes the cyclical nature of their work, highlighting the relentless pursuit of trade and the sea's indifference to their struggles.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Historical Fiction · 893 words
First lines
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! _
What this Textopian page supports
The Merchantmen is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1899 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Historical Fiction, Sea Literature, Narrative
- Length: 893 words
- Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Adventure — The themes of maritime exploration and the challenges faced by sailors highlight an adventurous spirit.
- Historical Fiction — The references to historical figures and trade routes suggest a connection to historical events.
- Sea Literature — The focus on seafaring life and the experiences of sailors aligns with the sea literature genre.
Tags
merchantmen · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · sea · trade · sailing · adventure · maritime · exploration · London · ocean · cargo