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Literary
April 22, 1828
Lancaster Gazette
Lancaster, Worcester County, Massachusetts
What is this article about?
A reflective prose passage by Walter Scott likening human life to a sea voyage, contrasting the cheerful start with the weary, isolated end as death approaches.
Clipping
OCR Quality
95%
Excellent
Full Text
HUMAN LIFE.
"When we set out on the jolly voyage of life, what a brave fleet there is around us, as stretching our fresh canvass to the breeze all 'shipshape and Bristol fashion,' pennons flying, music playing, cheering each other as we pass, we are rather amused than alarmed when some awkward comrade goes right ashore for want of pilotage! Alas! when the voyage is well spent, and we look about us, toil-worn mariners, how few of our ancient consorts still remain in sight, and they how torn and wasted; and like ourselves, struggling to keep as long as possible off the fatal shore, against which we are finally drifting!" Walter Scott.
"When we set out on the jolly voyage of life, what a brave fleet there is around us, as stretching our fresh canvass to the breeze all 'shipshape and Bristol fashion,' pennons flying, music playing, cheering each other as we pass, we are rather amused than alarmed when some awkward comrade goes right ashore for want of pilotage! Alas! when the voyage is well spent, and we look about us, toil-worn mariners, how few of our ancient consorts still remain in sight, and they how torn and wasted; and like ourselves, struggling to keep as long as possible off the fatal shore, against which we are finally drifting!" Walter Scott.
What sub-type of article is it?
Essay
What themes does it cover?
Death Mortality
What keywords are associated?
Voyage Of Life
Human Mortality
Sea Metaphor
Life's Transience
Walter Scott
What entities or persons were involved?
Walter Scott
Literary Details
Title
Human Life.
Author
Walter Scott
Subject
Reflection On The Voyage Of Life
Key Lines
When We Set Out On The Jolly Voyage Of Life, What A Brave Fleet There Is Around Us, As Stretching Our Fresh Canvass To The Breeze All 'Shipshape And Bristol Fashion,' Pennons Flying, Music Playing, Cheering Each Other As We Pass, We Are Rather Amused Than Alarmed When Some Awkward Comrade Goes Right Ashore For Want Of Pilotage!
Alas! When The Voyage Is Well Spent, And We Look About Us, Toil Worn Mariners, How Few Of Our Ancient Consorts Still Remain In Sight, And They How Torn And Wasted; And Like Ourselves, Struggling To Keep As Long As Possible Off The Fatal Shore, Against Which We Are Finally Drifting!