The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Courtship of Miles Standish, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.
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Title: The Courtship of Miles Standish:
With Suggestions for Study and Notes
Author: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
P. H. Pearson
Release Date: June 29, 2018 [EBook #57417]
Language: English
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“The Courtship of Miles Standish” deals with a
supreme moment in the history of our nation, the moment
when the harassed and thrice-winnowed little band of
Puritans began to establish themselves and their institutions
on these shores. In the belief that the poem will
be better understood and appreciated both as poetry and
as history if some of the traits and the struggles of this
people are called to mind, a few words regarding them
will here be given.
Though the sovereigns of England under whose auspices
the movement known as the Reformation was carried
through, severed connection with the Church of Rome,
they did not bring about a thorough reform in matters of
faith and church service. Hence there arose in England
parties holding conflicting views regarding the correctness
and propriety of the practices and ceremonies still in
vogue. The Established Church still retained much that,
in the opinion of the more radical element, should be removed.
These differences of opinion exhibited various
degrees of radicalism and conservatism. Those who were
unwilling to conform to the regulations of the Church of
England were styled “Non-conformists,” and, on account
of their efforts in the direction of further purification, they
became known as “Puritans.” There were still others
who believed in carrying the reform so far as to separate[Pg 6]
the church from the state, and to reach independence in
church government: these were the “Independents.”
The Established Church was supported by secular authority,
so that in all disputes it had on its side the king
and the arm of the law. In many cases it exercised its
power in bitter persecution of those who showed a tendency
to depart from its teachings. The Puritans were, as
one historian says, “pursued into their hiding-places with
relentless fury,” so that many individuals sought voluntary
exile, and whole assemblages looked for some place in
far countries where they could worship according to conscience
and to the light they found in the Bible.
Such a party of persecuted Puritans chose as leaders
one of their ministers, John Robinson, and their ruling
elder, William Brewster, and resolved to seek refuge and
religious liberty in Holland. This country was selected on
account of its friendly attitude towards Calvinism, a
view which harmonized with those of the Puritans; and
also on account of the near relations which England as
an ally of Holland sustained to this country.
Their first attempt at leaving England (1607) was anticipated
and prevented by the magistrates; but the following
spring they made a second attempt, which was so
far successful that the officers of the crown succeeded only
in seizing and detaining some helpless women and children.
These were, however, later on set at liberty and permitted
to embark. At first these Pilgrims, as they came to be
called, settled in Amsterdam, but in 1609 they removed to
Leyden, where their number was constantly increased by
new arrivals from England. In Holland, though they
gained the confidence and respect of the Dutch, their condition[Pg 7]
was not entirely satisfactory. Brought up as tillers
of the soil, they could not become entirely reconciled to
the trades and handicrafts which they were now necessitated
to learn. Moreover, they felt that the Dutch language
could not become a homelike speech to them. There
was also, deep in their hearts, a devout patriotism, which
first led them to think of establishing themselves in some
of the colonies under English rule.
The first step, they saw, was to decide on a suitable
locality in the New World. After making such investigations
as they could, they planned to locate in the territory
which King James granted to the Plymouth Company in
1606. But before they were ready to embark, two other
grave problems confronted them, and it took years before
these were solved.
Would they in the king’s dominions be allowed religious
freedom and be undisturbed in their worship? Representatives
of their congregation visited England for the purpose
of trying to get the king’s guarantee to this effect.
In presenting their request they stated they were willing
to promise “obedience in all things, active if the thing
commanded be not against God’s word, or passive if it be.”
They were disappointed of obtaining the pledge they
sought; and left with nothing more encouraging or definite
than an assurance that so long as they gave no offense
they should not be disturbed.
The other problem was that of finding the means necessary
for the enterprise. After lengthy negotiations,
during which several propositions were rejected as impracticable,
they formed a compact with some London
merchants that had become interested in the American[Pg 8]
fisheries. These merchants, in return for services to be
rendered by the Pilgrims, furnished money for the passage,
stipulating that all profits were to be “reserved till the
end of seven years, when the whole amount, and all lands
and fields, were to be divided among the share-holders
according to their respective interests.”
The two vessels that had been provided could not carry
the entire congregation, and so it was determined that
“the youngest and strongest who freely offered themselves”
should leave. Their head and leader was Brewster, the
governing elder. Robinson, the spiritual elder, it was decided,
should follow later with the others if the reports
were favorable.
After solemn fasts and worship, in which they invoked
the blessing of God and commended themselves to his
guidance, the Pilgrims set sail from Holland. They
touched at Southampton, England, and a fortnight later
started westward for the shores of America. The two
vessels on which they were embarked were the Speedwell,
of sixty tons burden, and the Mayflower, of one hundred
and eighty tons. After some distance at sea, the Speedwell
was found to leak, and they were compelled to return
to port at Dartmouth for repairs. After a delay of a
week they were again under way, and once more the captain
of the Speedwell signaled distress, claiming that his
vessel was not in a seaworthy condition. This necessitated
their return to Plymouth; the Speedwell was abandoned,
and such of her passengers as could be accommodated were
transferred to the Mayflower.
On the sixth day of September, 1620, the Mayflower
with one hundred and two passengers besides her crew[Pg 9]
started alone. After a voyage of over two months they
hove in sight of the sandy shore of Cape Cod, Massachusetts.
Filled with the responsibility of their enterprise,
they met in the cabin, drafted and signed the following
solemn compact before going on shore:
“In the name of God, Amen. We whose names are here
underwritten, the loyal subjects of our dread sovereign,
King James, by the grace of God, of Great Britain, France,
and Ireland, King, Defender of the Faith, etc., having undertaken,
for the glory of God and advancement of the
Christian faith, and honor of our king and country, a voyage
to plant the first colony in the northern part of Virginia,
do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the
presence of God and of one another, covenant and combine
ourselves together into a civil body politic for our better
ordering and preservation, and in the furtherance of the
ends aforesaid; and by virtue hereof to enact, constitute
and frame just and equal laws, ordinances, acts, constitutions,
and offices, from time to time as shall be thought
most meet and convenient for the general good of the
colony; unto which we promise all due submission and
obedience.
“In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our
names at Cape Cod, the 11th of November, in the year
of the reign of our sovereign lord, King James, of England,
France, and Ireland, the eighteenth, and of Scotland the
fifty-fourth, Anno Domini 1620.”
In order still further to perfect the arrangements for
governing the colony, they unanimously chose John Carver
as their governor for one year.
The season was already far advanced, so that it was
about the middle of November before they had begun to
explore the coast or to choose a place for the settlement.[Pg 10]
As the shallop was found to be in need of repair, Captain
Miles Standish, Bradford and others, determined to explore
the country by land. Their first attempts to “spy
the country” were made during exceedingly severe weather.
“It snowed and did blow all night, and froze withal.”
Nothing of an encouraging nature could be found along
the beach nor on the fields, which now lay half a foot
thick with snow. A heap of maize which had been concealed
by the Indians was discovered. It was a welcome
find, as it helped to eke out the scanty stores of the Pilgrims.
It must be added that, though Miles Standish took
this, he scrupulously resolved to pay the owners as soon
as they could be found; and six months later he found an
opportunity to render payment.
On December 8, shortly after their morning prayers
were finished, the party was attacked by a hostile tribe of
the Nausites, “who knew the English only as kidnappers.”
Fortunately, the Indians were driven off without doing
any damage to the settlers. The exploring party spent
four weeks in searching for a suitable place. During this
time they suffered greatly from exposure to the rain, snow,
and sleet. Sometimes their garments were frozen stiff
like coats of mail. It was often difficult or impossible to
kindle a fire on the snow-covered fields, where the fuel,
whatever they found, was damp and soggy. At one time,
in the midst of a violent snow-storm, the rudder of the
shallop broke, and also the mast, so that they were in
extreme danger of being dashed to pieces among the breakers.
It was through these severe exposures that many of
them contracted the diseases that carried away such a large
part of them during the first winter.
[Pg 11]On December 11th the explorers landed on the historical
spot of Plymouth Rock. The Mayflower, shortly
afterwards, cast anchor in the harbor. The men went on
shore, and set to work to build houses and to provide
shelter against the winter. Their labor was made arduous
by the inclement weather, and by the fact that about one-half
of the settlers were sick, some of them wasting away
with consumption and lung fever.
As protection against the Indians, who were occasionally
seen hovering near, they formed themselves into a
military organization, with Miles Standish as captain.
Their relations with the Indians were, however, so fair
and honest that even these must have observed some singular
differences between the Pilgrims and earlier traders on
the coast. Early in the spring, Samoset, an Indian, visited
them with the view evidently of ascertaining whether
they were disposed to form acquaintance and to establish
friendship with his people. This led to a visit by the
powerful chief Massasoit himself. He was received and
entertained by the Pilgrims in a way that inspired his confidence,
resulting finally in a sort of defensive alliance
between the settlers and his tribe. He later on rendered
valuable services, particularly by giving warning of the
massacre planned by the Narragansetts against the settlers
at Weymouth.
On the fifth of April, 1621, the Mayflower started on
her return voyage to England. Notwithstanding the hardships
suffered by the colonists that first and dreadful winter,
not one of them returned. As spring and summer
came on, conditions improved. The streams abounded
with fish and the forests with game. In the autumn they[Pg 12]
were again visited by Massasoit, and feasted him and
ninety of his men. The Narragansetts alone were not
friendly. Their chief, Canonicus, sent over a bundle of
arrows wrapped in the skin of a rattlesnake, thereby avowing
his intentions of war. Bradford sent back the skin
stuffed with powder and shot; and it appears that this
prompt acceptance of the challenge made the chief hesitate,
for he became willing to sue for peace. This incident,
which Longfellow has used, took place in 1622. Another
incident also used took place the following year. One of
the London merchants, thinking to increase his profits, sent
over sixty unmarried men, who formed a settlement which
they called Weymouth. These people soon found themselves
in want, and intruded for a considerable time upon
the people of Plymouth. They were indolent; they plundered
the Indians, and these formed a plot to destroy the
entire colony. But Massasoit revealed their designs to
the Puritan settlers. These sent a force under the intrepid
Miles Standish, who succeeded in preventing the
calamity.
The Plymouth Colony and its far-reaching results have
been depicted by every writer of American history. This
sketch requires only that we present the general traits of
the people and the merest outline of the incidents that
Longfellow has brought into the poem; it is therefore not
necessary for the present purpose to follow the narrative
further.
“The Courtship of Miles Standish” was published in
1858. Longfellow has in this poem again made use of
the hexameter; but though it is the same metre as that of[Pg 13]
“Evangeline,” it presents some important differences.
With the purpose of modifying the stern Puritan mood, he
has given the metre a lighter movement, which also harmonizes
with the touches of humor occasionally introduced.
As to the content of the poem, the author has used the facts
and incidents recounted in the old Puritan records, and
faithfully woven them into a true historic picture, a picture
none the less faithful because the poet has slightly
deviated from the annals in the sequence of some events.
Miles Standish, John Alden, and Priscilla are there giving
it reality by acting out the story—an old human
story; but when these are allowed to drop out of sight,
that which remains is the realization of a people, the
Puritans, a people of indomitable determination and of
uncompromising loyalty to conscience and to God.
The poem takes immediate hold of the events given in
the early chronicles. The time when the story begins is
stated only in a general way; but as the Mayflower began
her return voyage April 5, 1621, the phrase, “In the
Old Colony days,” stands for April 4th of the same year.
The names of the three principal characters are mentioned
in Bradford’s History of Plymouth Plantation as names of
immigrants on the Mayflower. In regard to the instance
of the rattlesnake-skin challenge sent by Canonicus, the
time of its occurrence has been shifted in the poem from
January, 1622, when it really took place, to the date when
the poem opens. The incident is historical, and has been
brought in almost in the exact form in which it is recorded.
The real occasion for the Captain’s expedition (488)
was to rescue the neighboring settlement of Weymouth,
which was threatened by the Indians in March, 1623. The
chronicles mention the details of the encounter very much
as given (745-815); also the trophy brought back by the
Captain (818, 819). May 12th is mentioned as the date
when the first marriage in the colony took place. The
poet’s description of the ceremony (936-939) is based
upon Bradford’s History:
“May 12th was the first mariage in this place, which,
according to ye laudable custome of ye Low Countries, in
which they had lived, was thought most requisite to be performed[Pg 15]
by the magistrate, as being a civill thing, upon
which many questions aboute inheritances doe depende,
with other things most proper to their cognizans, and most
consonant to ye Scriptures, Ruth 4, and no wher found in
ye Gospell to be layed on ye ministers as part of their
office.”
These are the main incidents that form the groundwork;
but in addition to these there are numerous minor touches,
names and facts from the old records, all which go to build
up the narrative into a faithful historic picture.
Such is the portrayal of Standish and his previous service
in Holland. He had fought in Flanders (25) against
the Spaniards (28); he had charge of the military organization
in the Colony (46-93). The Indian names mentioned
in 53 are found in the chronicles. The death of
Rose Standish (136) is also mentioned. Other names
and facts that in one way or another are matters of historic
record are the “Psalm-book of Ainsworth,” printed in
Amsterdam (231, 232); the seven houses of Plymouth
(392); Wat Tyler (415); the Elder and his Words (442,
443 and 457); Stephen, Richard, and Gilbert (547); the
Field of the First Encounter (606). “In autumn the
ships of the merchants” (825)—this refers to the Anne
and the Little James, which arrived in Plymouth in the
autumn of 1623. “Still may be seen” (846): the descendants
of Alden still own the lands where his house
stood, in Duxbury.
I.
State what you can about the locality where the Pilgrims
landed and settled. Give a description of it as you think
it appeared to the immigrants in December, 1620. Could[Pg 16]
it have been an inviting place? How does this locality look
in the spring, say early in April?
II.
State in what way the value of the poem as such would
be changed if it were not connected with a historic event
as momentous as that of the founding of the Plymouth
Colony. What, then, besides the story of the three principal
characters is there in the poem? State, with reasons
for your views, which you regard the more significant,—the
story as such, or the historic picture it presents.
III.
Find details in the poem that you regard as particularly
faithful to history. Find touches that illustrate historic
statements like this: “The pioneers [Puritans] were rugged,
strong, and inspired by an unshakable faith in their
mission in the New World.” (People’s History of the
United States.) See, for instance, line 599. Point out
several examples of the customs, habits, and views depicted
that are historic in the same way. Quote lines portraying
the religious character of the Puritans; their faith in
their mission. Cite passages depicting the hardships of
the preceding winter. Find strongly visualizing touches
portraying their condition as settlers. Also instances showing
their relations toward the red men.
IV.
What length of time is covered by the narrative? Point
out the events in the first and the last part that fix the
time. What difference do you find if you take the actual
history of the events as the basis for computing the time?
The poem presents an artistically finished story, in
which the action begins with a statement of a definite
issue, and moves on through complication and suspenses
to a complete solution. Hence it is well adapted for the
study of plot.
Every carefully constructed story begins with the presentation
of an issue so contrived as to seize upon and
arrest the attention of the reader. Something of momentous
consequence to one or more of the characters is
pending. The interests of the hero or the heroine are
threatened by the interests of other characters. A collision
between two opposing characters is unavoidable. The
hero steps forward and enters upon a career clashing with
the traditions and customs of his surroundings. His ambition
sets up an aim and a purpose that cannot be attained
without the risk of life or fortune. A struggle, at any rate,
is impending and inevitable; and in the first situation
of a well-constructed story the special nature of it is
placed before the reader.
At this point the action begins. It seizes upon the attention
of the reader by causing him to project his thoughts
forward in anticipation of the action completed, the solution
of the problem. As he follows the story his interest
in the struggle is heightened by finding obstacles that
challenge the very best powers of the hero and the heroine,
and test to the utmost their strength and courage. These
obstacles give rise to situations fraught with special points
of interest, rousing curiosity or giving glimpses of character
or the secret workings of the soul which the composure
of ordinary life does not afford. In the course of[Pg 18]
the story there are subtle touches or character hints which
endear the hero to the reader. At this stage it is something
more than a struggle waged between comparatively
unknown forces—a strong human interest is added, so
that the reader conceives strong wishes and consummations
of his own with reference to the outcome.
In a story there are several positions that determine the
plot and mark the stages of the progress. These form the
basis of its structure; and in the study of the plot they
are very serviceable as points of departure. Thus we may
recognize the point where we have sufficient introductory
data to state the problem, or in other words, to formulate
the issue. At what point do we feel prompted to wish for
any certain kind of result to the struggle? What is the
nature of the obstacles that aggravate and complicate the
struggle? Do they rise subjectively out of the hero’s character,
or are they brought in through the counterplay of
other characters? At what point and through what occurrences
does the story seem to point to a definite outcome?
Through what means is the reader again led to entertain
doubts and misgivings? In what way is the main problem
solved? Is the struggle ended so that we feel that everything
involved in the issue is fully terminated?
In lines 85 and 86, John Alden’s hopes and desires are
indicated, and we wonder, How shall he speed, and is the
consummation to be such as he desires? Another step is
reached in 155, where the action is complicated by an
obstacle placed in his way. At this stage we have an
opportunity to note a bit of the writer’s art if we observe
the effect that this turn of events has. It certainly adds
to the interest. But how? In the first place, we are anxious[Pg 19]
to know whether this obstacle will, against our wishes,
cause the hopes of Alden to be frustrated. If we are in
doubt as to whether it takes hold of us in this way, we have
but to note that we are not content to leave the story at
this point. In the second place, we are curious to know
how Alden will acquit himself pleading with Priscilla
in behalf of a rival suitor. And again, How will Priscilla
receive the proffers of the Captain? The situation to
which we immediately look forward has many elements
adapted to seize strongly upon the reader’s attention. It
will primarily be momentous in the fortunes of the principal
characters; and it will, further, have features that
in various other ways interest people. Up to this point
Alden’s character has been developed in such a way that
we are sure he cannot summarily set aside or ignore his
promise to the Captain. The commission entrusted to him
is bound to create a violent conflict in his mind between
love on one side and friendship and conscience on the
other. This conflict will be visually exhibited in the
coming interview with Priscilla. In whatever way the
interview as such terminates, we see that a series of interesting
consequences must follow from it: as, for instance,
Alden’s report to the Captain, the mood induced in
the latter, and his subsequent course of action. Again, it
cannot pass without resulting in some sort of counteraction
on the part of the other two, thereby giving rise to
situations that will tax all their loyalty and resourcefulness.
I.
What assurance have we that Alden will not attempt to
ignore or evade his promise (245-248)? In what way is[Pg 20]
the situation made more intense by Priscilla’s welcome
(251-253)? How does the preliminary conversation increase
the difficulties of Alden’s errand? In the manner of
delivering his message, is he influenced mainly by a
sense of his obligation to the Captain or by the sentiments
he entertains towards Priscilla? What is the dramatic
effect of his abrupt departure? In what respect was the
interview conclusive? At the close of the situation do we
feel that the difficulties in Alden’s way are lessened or
increased? How did Alden seem to feel in regard to this?
II.
What part of Alden’s report was the main cause of the
Captain’s wrath? Had Alden anticipated the effect that
his report would have? How does the arrival of the messenger
(426) affect the plot? Is the incident of the council
a part of the main action, or merely an episode? Why
was it necessary at this stage that the Captain should be
removed from the presence of the other two (484)? What
personal interests of the various characters are pending or
threatened at this point of the story?
In what way is the central action still in a state of suspense
after the Captain’s departure? Show how the suspense
is to be accounted for by the disposition and character
of Alden. In what way are the occurrences that take
place during the Captain’s absence invested with interest
(824-900)?
IV.
What is the decisive moment in the story? Explain the
effect it will be likely to have on Alden and his course of
action. In what way is the preceding situation a preparation[Pg 21]
for this moment? How does the poet make plain to
us Alden’s previous sense of restraint as well as his present
sense of freedom?
V.
What is the purpose of the information given in 949—“Long
had it stood there,” etc.? What difference would
it have made to one of Alden’s disposition if the person had
presented himself before the ceremony? Could the action
be regarded as quite complete without the reconciliation
of all the main characters?
THE CHARACTERS.
Miles Standish and John Alden are introduced together,
for the reason, no doubt, that the traits of the one
may serve to set off those of the other. Miles Standish is
a soldier by nature; and a lifetime spent in camp and
field has brought out the soldier spirit in him in all its
completeness. The character of John Alden is less
marked, though it is made sufficiently intelligible, first by
his employment as scribe and correspondent of the colonists,
which leads us to infer that he was better fitted for
the occupation of the scholar than for the struggles of the
pioneer; secondly, his youth and delicate complexion are
mentioned, and we gather that his physique is not robust
nor hardened. The Puritan predominates in John Alden
as the soldier does in Miles Standish. The latter attributes
the saving of his life to the good steel of the breastplate,
while the former attributes it to a direct interposition of
the Lord in slackening the speed of the bullet. We feel that
if Alden had been left to spend an anxious hour or two[Pg 22]
alone, he would have turned for consolation to the Bible
and not to “the ponderous Roman.”
The Captain is a man of strong personality and firm integrity.
He is an organizer of the colony’s defense; his
voice prevails at the council; he is a resolute and able defender,
who rises equal to emergencies of sudden and imminent
danger. He is also capable of entertaining sentiments
of tenderness (58-60) and magnanimity (949-973).
Yet the author has indicated that, in the conventional sense,
he is not to be taken as the hero. The personal description
of him (11) points to this; so also his almost ludicrous
inconsistency (36-115 and 163-168). His avowed affection
for Priscilla could not have struck deep roots in his
heart, for only two or three months have passed since he
sustained the loss that made his life “weary and dreary”
(36). Moreover, this matter could not have been upper-most
in his mind very long, for he would then have
observed that Alden had frequently gone on a lover’s
errand in his own behalf (252-258). Neither could his
inclinations have been very ardent, for while Alden is
gone he spends the hours without anxiety, absorbed in the
campaigns of Cæsar. He misunderstands and underestimates
the sterling nature of Priscilla when he thinks that
the winning of her is largely and mainly a matter of
phrases (169) and elegant language, “such as you read
of in books in the pleadings and wooings of lovers.” All
this helps us to become reconciled to the Captain’s discomfiture.
John Alden is the most typical Puritan of the leading
characters. His tendency towards a fatalistic view of
life and to self-accusation seem almost too strange to be[Pg 23]
accounted for by any doctrine or belief. As a Puritan
he had been brought up and trained in submission to his
elders, which may partly explain his lack of self-assertion.
His position as a dependent in the household of Miles
Standish made him more ready than he otherwise could
have been to go on the Captain’s delicate errand. There
are situations in which we find Alden insufficient (182,
558, 559). He has little opportunity, in so far that the
part assigned to him is mainly passive. Yet there are possibilities
of stern manhood in him; and, with reference
to the main issue, he is certainly strong in those very
respects where Miles Standish is weak.
Priscilla presents a contrast to the other two. She is
full of healthy, joyous life. Neither the sternness of her
associates nor the hardships of the pioneer life that she
had experienced had been able to detract from her cheerful,
buoyant disposition. During the winter she had become
an orphan, and yet she appears to have been potent
as a ray of sunshine amid the gloom and distress incident
to the condition of the colonists. The fact that she is a
trifle more frank in her conversation with John Alden
than strict conventional form would require detracts nothing,
but rather places her among such ideals of women
as Miranda, Imogen, and Elaine.
I.
In the first eighty lines designate the means used in
describing Miles Standish. Which reveals his character
most effectively—the author’s direct description of him,
his talk, his weapons, or his books? Are there any details
in this description that you would like to see altered[Pg 24]
if the Captain were to be the hero of the story? The Miles
Standish of history is said to have been thirty-six years
at this time; in what direction has the poet changed his
age? Why?
II.
What position of authority does Standish hold in the
colony? Why has the poet made him and Alden household
companions (15)? What character-contrast in
25-33? Why should the maxim of line 37 be reiterated
(114)? How does the Captain’s inconsistency (164)
affect the tone of the narrative? Is the reply in 168 to
the point? How does the Captain’s reliance on phrases
and elegant language change our opinion of him?
III.
How does line 398 square with lines 173, 174? What
had been the Captain’s state of mind during Alden’s absence?
What effects measure to us the degree of his
anger after having listened to Alden’s report? What motives
induced the Captain to start in pursuit of hostile
Indians (486)? Hoes this expedition seem to have been
most likely to insure the safety of the colony? What evidence
have we later on of the Captain’s magnanimity?
As he is not in the conventional sense the hero of the story,
what purpose, from the point of view of the action, does
he serve?
IV.
In the character portrayal of 1-86, which are the main
points of contrast between Miles Standish and John Alden?
What appears to be the age of Alden? In describing him,
why does the author use more poetic terms (17-20) than[Pg 25]
he does in the case of Standish? Was Alden commissioned
by others of the colonists to write letters for them?
What single fact makes clear the sentiments he entertains
towards Priscilla? Had they been acquainted before they
left England?
V.
How can we account for Alden’s yielding to the Captain’s
request? What other courses of action were open
to him? “Then made answer John Alden” (181)—continue
here, and in half a dozen lines write the answer
you think he should have made. After leaving the Captain,
what motives hold him to the fulfillment of his
promise (185-248)? Was his blunt manner of delivering
the message (288) deliberate, or was he so overcome that
he could not do it otherwise?
VI.
What exactly is the cause of his distress as told in
339-342? Comment on the frankness of the report he
submits. Should he not have attempted to explain and to
set himself right? Interpret the mood visualized in 558,
559. Does he seem to have a sufficient reason for “thinking
to fly from despair” (562)? Would it be a better
story if Alden had been given an opportunity for active
heroism? What in his character is most admirable?
VII.
Did Priscilla belong to those Puritans that had lived
for some years in Holland (269)? What suggestions have
we regarding Priscilla before lines 223-238? In the description
(223-238) what traits are made most prominent?[Pg 26]
Explain in what respect her disposition seems to be in
sharp contrast to that of Alden (293-338). At what point
and under what conditions does Priscilla’s influence show
itself most powerful? What do we learn of her from her
words in 667-680? At what point in the story and in
what way is her character most exquisitely drawn? Which
of the three characters had passed through the saddest
experiences since the landing at Plymouth?
3. Cordovan. From the city of Cordoba, Spain, noted for the
leather prepared there.
8. Corselet. A breastplate and backpiece forming a protection for
the upper part of the body.
Sword of Damascus. Damascus in Syria is one of the oldest
cities in the world. The swords made here were once famous not
only for their remarkably fine temper, but for the artistic figures
and mystic characters wrought in the blade. The secret of their make
is now largely a lost art.
1-20. Miles Standish was at this time about thirty-six years of
age, though the description seems to make him older. He had evidently
left England for the Netherlands to fight with the Dutch
against Spain. In Holland he had met his compatriots, the Puritans,
cast his fortunes with them, and embarked as one of their number
for the New World. John Alden, at this time about twenty-one, had
joined the Pilgrims when their vessel touched at the port of Southampton.
19. “While yet an abbot, Gregory’s interest had been awakened
by the fair faces and flaxen hair of a group of Saxon youths exposed
for sale in the slave-market at Rome. ‘Who are they?’ he asked.
‘Angles,’ was the reply. ‘It suits them well,’ he said; ‘with faces so
angel-like.’” (Painter, History of English Literature.)
20. The Mayflower. The name of the vessel that carried the Pilgrims
to America.
28. Arcabucero. A Spanish word, originally meaning archer, now
generally equivalent to musketeer.
22-33. The pictures given of their personal appearance is completed
and reinforced by the first words the two men speak. Compare
the character indications of 25-30 and 32, 33.
52. Sagamore, sachem. These words are the titles of Indian
chiefs, the former being a subordinate, the latter a principal chief.
Pow-wow, an Indian medicine-man.
53. Indian names.
[Pg 92]61. Rose Standish. “In Young’s Chronicles of the Pilgrims, Boston,
1841, is a note thus: ‘Jan. 29, dies Rose, the wife of Captain
Standish.’ In William Bradford’s History of Plymouth Plantation
is recorded: ‘Captain Standish his wife dyed in the first sickness,
and he maried againe and hath 4 sones lieving, and some are dead.’”
Cited by Malfroy.
69. Barriffe’s Artillery Guide. An early work on military tactics,
written by a Puritan, William Barriffe.
83. The Mayflower started on her return voyage, April 5, 1621.
85. Priscilla. “Mr. Molines [Mullen] and his wife, his sone and
his servant dyed the first winter. Only his dougter Priscilla survived,
and maried with John Alden.” (Bradford’s History of Plymouth
Plantation.)
100. Iberian. Iberia, Spain. This was, however, an Alpine village.
As Cæsar and his companions were passing through the place,
they were struck with its poverty and wretchedness. Some one
mockingly asked whether there were any canvassing for offices there.
To this Cæsar replied: “For my part, I would rather be the first
among these fellows than the second man in Rome.” The account is
given in Plutarch’s Life of Caesar.
104. Flanders. Allusion to Cæsar’s campaign against the Nervii,
who occupied that part of the Netherlands known as Flanders.
113. This battle is depicted in Cæsar’s Commentaries, Book II,
chapter 25.
136. Since Rose Standish died. See note on line 61.
140. The loss of her father, mother and brother is mentioned in
Bradford’s History of the Plymouth Plantation. See note, line 85.
206. Astaroth, Baal. Divinities of ancient Syria, mentioned in
the Old Testament. Milton refers to them:
“With these came they, who, from the bordering flood
Of old Euphrates to the brook that parts
Egypt from Syrian ground, had general names
Of Baalim and Ashtaroth,—those male,
These feminine.”
—Paradise Lost, Bk. I, 419-423.
210. Mayflowers. In England this name is applied to the hawthorn;
in America to a trailing plant “having white or rose-colored
flowers.” “The trailing arbutus or mayflower grows abundantly in
the vicinity of Plymouth, and was the first flower that greeted the
Pilgrims after their fearful winter.” (Whittier.)
[Pg 93]212. Children lost in the woods. The pathetic story of the cruel
destruction of two children by exposure and desertion is told in an
ancient English ballad:
“No burial this pretty pair
Of any man receives,
Till Robin-red-breast piously
Did cover them with leaves.”
—From Percy’s Reliques of Ancient English Poetry.
224. The hundredth Psalm. The music to which the words were
being sung was the same as “Old Hundred.”
232. Many English books and translations were printed by the
early Dutch printers of Amsterdam and Leyden, notably by the
Elzivirs of the latter place.
245. Compare Luke ix: 62.
248. Jeremiah xxxiii: 11.
321. In Young’s Chronicles of the Pilgrims we read that the
ancestors of Miles Standish were of a warlike spirit, and that the
family record can be traced back as far as to Ralph de Standish, 1221.
324. Crest. The distinguishing mark worn by a knight, usually
upon the helmet or above the shield.
Argent. Silver, or resembling silver.
325. Gules. Of a red color.
344. Reference to Revelation xxi.
362. The account is given in 2 Samuel, xi and xii.
415. Wat Tyler. The leader of an insurrection in London, slain
by Jean Standuich. This happened under Richard II., about 1381.
421. You too, Brutus! Notwithstanding the friendship existing
between them, Brutus conspired against the life of Cæsar. It is
stated that when Brutus advanced to strike him, Cæsar said, “And
you too, my son!”
442. Elder of Plymouth. William Brewster (1560-1644).
481. In this dramatic incident the poet has used the facts as they
occurred, with very little change. The incident of the rattlesnake-skin
and the challenge is historic; it took place in 1622.
496. The plot requires that the choleric Captain should at this
stage be removed from the presence of Alden and Priscilla, leaving
the issue in a state of suspense. For this purpose the author finds
the material of the annals almost ready shaped. The only alteration
required was to change the time when the expedition under Standish[Pg 94]
started to relieve the threatened Weymouth Colony. This took place
in March, 1623, but in the poem it is made to happen in April, 1621.
559. Alden’s position with one foot on the gunwale and one on
the rock is a striking visualization of a mood.
572. Adamantine. “By him forbidden to unlock these adamantine
gates.” (Paradise Lost, Book II, 853.)
597. The shipmaster, like Standish, is not a devout Puritan.
601. Songs. Not songs, but rather a series of rhythmic sounds
accompanying their work.
605. Gurnet Point. A headland at the entrance to Plymouth
harbor, on the north side.
606. Before landing at Plymouth the Pilgrims had spent some
time in looking for a suitable locality. A party of them had gone
on shore and examined the environs here. They had then met some
Indians; hence the name, “First Encounter.”
607. Took the wind on her quarter. Holding a course such that
the wind struck the vessel at a point “between abeam and astern.”
What must have been the exact course of the vessel?
626. Like the spirit of God. Reference to Genesis i: 2.
657. Dissolves the spell of its silence. Old superstition. So in
Hamlet, (Act I, sc. 1, l. 44,) where Bernardo says, “It [the ghost]
would be spoke to.”
665. Havilah. Genesis ii: 10-14.
755. Goliath of Gath. 1 Sam. xvii: 14.
Og, king of Bashan. Numbers xxi: 33.
815. The details of this expedition and the resulting encounter
are taken from Winslow’s Relation of Standish’s Expedition as given
in Dr. Young’s Chronicles. Here we are informed that such an
expedition took place in 1623, under command of Captain Standish.
Other details worked into the poem are also mentioned here: the
defiance of Wattawmat (771-781); Pecksuot (783-787); the observation
of Hobomak (813-815); and the grim trophy placed by
the Captain on the roof of the fort when he returned to the colony.
828. Merestead. “Meer” and “mear” are old terms, meaning
boundary. Hence, the plot of ground inclosed by boundaries.
829. Glebe. Sod or turf.
846. The original homestead is still owned by the descendants of[Pg 95]
John Alden. It is in Duxbury, on the coast, a short distance southeast
from Boston.
858-864. An almost literal rendering of verses 11, 12, 13, and 21
of Proverbs xxxi.
872. Bertha the Beautiful Spinner. According to one account she
was the daughter of Burkhard of Swabia. In 921 she became the
wife of Rudolph II., king of Burgundy beyond Jura. She is represented
on the monuments of the time as sitting on her throne, spinning.
927. A complete description of the garb of a Hebrew high priest
is given in Exodus, xxviii: 4-43.
936. Ruth and Boaz. Ruth iv: 10-12.
943. Lo! when the service was ended. It will be interesting to
note what difference it would have made with respect to a satisfactory
outcome if the Captain had appeared before the service
began.
1013. The valley of Eshcol. It was the part of the Promised Land
from which the spies brought back a cluster of grapes of marvelous
size. Numbers xiii: 23, 24.
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