An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland

The speaker of Marvell’s ode highlights Cromwell’s military abilities. Cromwell’s behavior on the battlefield is celebrated both as evidence that he is sensitive and willing to sacrifice. He bears the “deepest scars” (Line 46) of the civil war and proves his right to take over England with “forced pow’r” (Line 66). Every action that Cromwell takes is violent. His qualities make him a good leader, such as his ability to “sway” (Line 83) to reasoned arguments. The speaker depicts Cromwell as a militaristic and mighty leader who favors force over reason or morality.

The speaker states that “The same arts that did gain / A pow’r, must it maintain” (Lines 119-120). Since Cromwell’s power was “forced” (Line 66) upon the English populace, the speaker suggests that force is the only way for Cromwell to maintain control. This prophesizes how Cromwell’s rule will be tyrannical and strict, similar to a military leader over their troops. The speaker foresees Cromwell’s violent takeover of England as the beginning of his conquests: “Cromwell could not cease / In the inglorious arts of peace” (Line 9-10).

The speaker bemoans that one “therefore must make room / Where greater spirits come” (Lines 43-44). At times, they go so far as to call Cromwell’s actions unjust, stating that laws will “hold or break / As men are strong or weak” (Lines 39-40).