Far from New England's blustering shore, New England's worm her hulk shall bore, And sink her in the Indian seas, Twine, wine, and hides, and China teas.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Thoreau imagines New England's 'worm' (perhaps a ship) sinking in Indian seas, carrying goods like twine, wine, hides, and tea, highlighting trade and loss.
- In plain terms
- A vessel from New England sinks in distant seas, losing its cargo.
- What can you take from it?
- Trade ventures carry risk of loss far from home.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What factors cause such losses?
- How can traders mitigate distant risks?
Another view
The poetic language obscures concrete meaning.
More from Henry David Thoreau
The vessel, though her masts be firm, Beneath her copper bears a worm.
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