Welcome to Poem of the Day – To the Lord General Cromwell by John Milton.
To the Lord General Cromwell is one of the most significant poems written by the British poet John Milton, composed in 1652, during a time of great political and social upheaval in England. The poem stands as a tribute to Oliver Cromwell, the leader of the English Commonwealth who had recently come to power after the execution of King Charles I. Milton’s choice to write this poem—an invocation to Cromwell—reflects his deep engagement with the politics of his time, particularly the revolutionary changes occurring in England.
Milton, renowned for his commitment to republicanism and his opposition to monarchy, uses the poem not only to praise Cromwell’s leadership but also to frame his rise to power as part of a divine plan for England. The poem captures the turbulent spirit of the English Civil War and the hopes for a new kind of political and social order that the Commonwealth promised. This essay explores the themes of leadership, divine providence, and the role of the poet in a revolutionary society, highlighting how To the Lord General Cromwell engages with the political and religious currents of its time. By examining Milton’s use of classical allusions, political commentary, and religious metaphors, we can better understand how the poem reflects his vision of English society and his role as a poet in British poetry.
To the Lord General Cromwell Poem
Cromwell, our chief of men, who through a cloud
Not of war only, but detractions rude,
Guided by faith and matchless fortitude,
To peace and truth thy glorious way hast plough’d,
And on the neck of crowned Fortune proud
Hast rear’d God’s trophies, and his work pursued,
While Darwen stream with blood of Scots imbrued,
And Dunbar field resounds thy praises loud,
And Worcester’s laureat wreath. Yet much remains
To conquer still; peace hath her victories
No less renown’d than war: new foes arise,
Threatning to bind our souls with secular chains:
Help us to save free conscience from the paw
Of hireling wolves, whose gospel is their maw.
To the Lord General Cromwell Poem Explanation
John Milton (1608–1674) was an influential figure in 17th-century England, both as a poet and as a public intellectual. His works such as Paradise Lost, Areopagitica, and Lycidas not only shaped British poetry but also played a central role in the intellectual and political debates of the time. Milton was an ardent supporter of the English Commonwealth, the government that arose after the execution of King Charles I in 1649. This period, marked by the rise of republicanism and the fall of monarchy, was a time of intense ideological conflict. The execution of the king, the establishment of the Commonwealth, and the subsequent rule of Oliver Cromwell as Lord Protector were monumental events that Milton, a staunch advocate for political and religious freedom, would have seen as part of a divine plan to usher in a more just and godly form of governance.
To the Lord General Cromwell is written in the context of Cromwell’s military victories and political ascendancy. The poem is both a celebration of Cromwell’s success in defending the republic and a recognition of his divine calling. For Milton, Cromwell embodied the virtues of a true leader—one who was divinely chosen to bring about England’s salvation. The poem is also a reflection of Milton’s belief in the interconnection between divine providence and human history. By addressing Cromwell as a leader chosen by God, Milton elevates him to a near-messianic level, implying that the political upheavals of the time were not merely a result of human ambition but were directed by a higher, divine power.
The poem’s composition and publication align with Milton’s broader political and religious ideals, which often conflicted with the monarchy and the established Church of England. For Milton, the Commonwealth represented a chance to align the English government with his radical Puritan beliefs, and he saw Cromwell as the political leader capable of fulfilling this vision.
Themes of the Poem
1. Divine Providence and Leadership
One of the central themes of To the Lord General Cromwell is the idea of divine providence. Milton firmly believed that the course of human events, particularly in the political and military spheres, was guided by divine will. This belief is especially evident in the way he frames Cromwell’s rise to power as part of a divine plan for England. The poem begins with a clear assertion that Cromwell is chosen by God, and his actions are portrayed as being in accordance with divine will.
Milton’s invocation of divine providence is significant because it underscores the religious framework within which the English Civil War and the rise of Cromwell are understood. For Milton, the civil war was not simply a political struggle but a battle between good and evil, righteousness and corruption. Cromwell’s military successes, which included defeating royalist forces and establishing the Commonwealth, are depicted as a victory for God’s cause. Through this lens, Cromwell is not merely a military leader; he is a divine instrument, fulfilling God’s will to bring about a new and righteous order.
This theme of divine election echoes earlier traditions in British poetry, where rulers were often portrayed as divinely appointed. However, in Milton’s view, Cromwell’s leadership is not associated with monarchy or aristocracy but with republican ideals—ideas that, in Milton’s view, were divinely sanctioned. By portraying Cromwell as a chosen leader, Milton aligns himself with the Puritan cause, positioning Cromwell as the protector of liberty, righteousness, and the English people.
2. Praise of Cromwell’s Virtue
While To the Lord General Cromwell is undoubtedly a poem of praise, it is also a subtle exploration of what makes a leader virtuous. In addressing Cromwell, Milton emphasizes the general’s moral integrity, military prowess, and commitment to justice. For Milton, a great leader is not defined solely by military victory or political power but by a deep sense of virtue and moral responsibility. This praise of Cromwell’s virtue also highlights Milton’s understanding of leadership as a moral duty—a theme that recurs throughout much of his writing.
The praise of Cromwell’s virtue is not merely ceremonial but reflects Milton’s belief that the leader must act as an exemplar of godly conduct. Cromwell is depicted as a man who, though engaged in warfare and politics, maintains a strong moral compass. This theme of virtuous leadership is particularly important given the historical context of the English Civil War, where the actions of both the royalist and parliamentary forces were often called into question. Milton’s portrayal of Cromwell as a virtuous leader reinforces the idea that the English Civil War was not a mere struggle for power but a righteous cause rooted in moral and spiritual values.
3. The Role of the Poet in Revolutionary Times
In To the Lord General Cromwell, Milton also reflects on the role of the poet in revolutionary times. The poem itself serves as an example of how poetry can be used to comment on, support, or critique political events. As a poet and public intellectual, Milton saw himself not only as a creator of art but as a participant in the political and social changes occurring in England. The poem can be seen as Milton’s endorsement of Cromwell’s rule, but it is also an assertion of the power of poetry to influence political events.
For Milton, poetry was not merely a form of artistic expression; it was a powerful tool for shaping public opinion and encouraging action. This view is consistent with the broader tradition of revolutionary poetry, where poets act as both witnesses and participants in the political upheavals of their time. In addressing Cromwell directly, Milton positions himself as a poet who is actively engaging with the political and moral questions of the moment, using his work to support the changes he believes are necessary for the salvation of England.
Milton’s role as a poet in revolutionary times also underscores his belief in the moral responsibility of the artist. In To the Lord General Cromwell, he positions the poet not as a passive observer but as an active force capable of shaping the direction of society. By aligning himself with Cromwell, Milton demonstrates his conviction that poetry can serve a higher purpose—one that goes beyond personal expression and instead serves the greater good of society.
4. Republican Ideals and the Fall of Monarchy
Finally, To the Lord General Cromwell serves as a reflection of Milton’s republican ideals. The poem is a clear endorsement of Cromwell and the Commonwealth, celebrating the fall of the monarchy and the establishment of a republican government. For Milton, the monarchy represented tyranny, corruption, and oppression, and he saw Cromwell’s rise as a victory for liberty and republican principles.
Milton’s support of the Commonwealth and Cromwell’s leadership is rooted in his belief that England needed a government that was more in line with God’s will. The monarchy, with its hereditary rule and concentration of power, was incompatible with the ideals of justice, equality, and liberty that Milton championed. Through his praise of Cromwell, Milton elevates the idea of republicanism as a form of government that is both virtuous and divinely ordained.
Conclusion
To the Lord General Cromwell is a profound and multifaceted poem that reflects John Milton’s political, religious, and artistic convictions. Through his praise of Cromwell, Milton not only celebrates the general’s military successes but also invokes divine providence, highlighting the role of the poet in revolutionary times. The poem embodies Milton’s belief that political change, when aligned with divine will, can lead to a more just and virtuous society. It also exemplifies the power of poetry to influence political discourse and reflect the moral responsibilities of the artist.
In this tribute to Cromwell, Milton captures the hope and fervor of an age marked by dramatic political upheaval. The poem is a testament to the role of poetry in British history and the ways in which poets like Milton shaped the course of English thought. Through his direct engagement with the political and religious issues of his time, Milton established himself as a poet who sought to blend art with social and spiritual transformation—a defining characteristic of British poetry in the 17th century.
