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Summary of Ode to Cromwell | Ode to Cromwell by Andrew Marvel
This poem celebrates the military triumph of Cromwell, first over King Charles I and then over Ireland, and it then goes on to anticipate more triumphs to be won by Cromwell and the stability of his rule over England.
Cromwell's victory over King Charles I
Cromwell, as we are told, gave up "The inglorious art of peace" and turned to war. He urged his star of destiny into activity like that of lightening which is a great force of Nature. He was able to force his way through rivals belonging to his own party and also through his enemies, and he went on to destroy the existing political and religious institutions in the country.
Eventually he was able to defeat King Charles I and to have him beheaded. It is futile to resist heaven's anger, and Charles resistance to Cromwell proved utterly futile.
Cromwell's industrious valour
We must give credit to Cromwell for the manner in which he gave up his life of reserve and austerity in his private gardens, and started his war like career.
By his "industrious valour", he was able to attain a high position and to dismantle the political structure of England which had been built over the centuries. He established a new political system in the country, even though justice complained against fate and pleaded for the ancient rights belonging to the royalty. Rights depend upon the capacity of men to defend them. A weak man must give way to a stronger man, because Nature doesn't tolerate two human beings in the same place at the same time.
It was therefore inevitable that Cromwell should oust the King and install himself as the ruler.
A masterly stroke of policy by Cromwell
In the course of the Civil War, Cromwell inflicted the the largest number of wounds of enemies. Not only that, he wove such a close net that the King could not get out of it. By a masterly stroke of policy, Cromwell encouraged the King to flee from Hampton Court to Carisbrooke, and had him captured and executed.
The King's dignified bearing at the time of his execution
As an actor in his drama of fate, Charles played his part with royal dignity. The King made no vulgar appeal to the Gods to defend his helpless right, but accepted his fate with calmness, bending his head on the block as if he was putting it on a pillow for rest. The hour of the King's execution confirmed Cromwell in the position which he had achieved by force of arms.
Cromwell's victory over Ireland
The next achievement of Cromwell was his victory over the Irish people. The Irish people soon realized that he was a good man, just and fit for the highest trust. Cromwell didn't become arrogant because of his military victories, but continued to obey the wishes of the Republic. He was like a falcon, a bird of prey, which, in spite of its fierceness obeys its master.
The Danger of Scotland due to Cromwell
England can entertain great hopes about her future on the basis of Cromwell's victories which showed him to be as great as a conqueror as Caesar or Hannibal. Now the Scotts will also find no shelter but will try to hide themselves from Cromwell's attack.
Necessity of Cromwell to maintain his power
Having thus portrayed the character and achievements of Cromwell, the poet ends his praise of the man by offering his best wishes to him for his future. Let Cromwell march onwards tirelessly and let him keep his sword erect in order to drive away all evil spirits and thus to maintain the power which he had won by the sword.
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