The Captain's Lady
written in 1790
The Captain's Lady - meaning Summary
Martial Courtship Summons
The poem is a short, song-like address urging a woman to prepare to be the Captain’s lady. Repeated refrains call her to mount and make ready, while verses picture martial spectacle—drums, cannons, and the captain going into battle—alongside courtly imagery of her sitting in state and witnessing his danger. The closing lines imagine a postwar private retreat where lovers enjoy peace. Overall it presents a flattering, celebratory vision of military romance and gendered roles, contrasting public honor in war with private reward in quiet love.
Read Complete AnalysesO Mount and go, Mount and make you ready, O Mount and go, And be the Captain's Lady. When the drums do beat, And the cannons rattle, Thou shalt sit in state, And see thy love in battle. O Mount and go, Mount and make you ready, O Mount and go, And be the Captain's Lady. When the vanquish'd foe Sues for peace and quiet, To the shades we'll go And in love enjoy it. O Mount and go, Mount and make you ready, O Mount and go, And be the Captain's Lady.
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