Americans Quote by Herman Melville
““If, then, to meanest mariners, and renegades and castaways, I shall hereafter ascribe high qualities, though dark; weave round them tragic graces; if even the most mournful, perchance the most abased, among them all, shall at times lift himself to the exalted mounts; if I shall touch that workman's arm with some ethereal light; if I shall spread a rainbow over his disastrous set of sun; then against all mortal critics bear me out in it, thou just Spirit of Equality, which hast spread one royal mantle of humanity over all my kind! Bear me out in it, thou great Democratic God! who didst not refuse to the swart convict Bunyan, the pale poetic pearl; Thou who didst clothe with doubly hammered leaves of finest gold, the stumped and paupered arm of old Cervantes; Thou who didst pick up Andrew Jackson from the pebbles; who didst hurl him upon a war horse; who didst thunder him higher than a throne! Thou who, in all thy mighty, earthly marchings, ever cullest Thy selectest champions from the kingly commons; bear me out in it, O God!””
About This Quote
Source Poem: “Equality” (excerpt) by Herman Melville, 1850s
The poet calls for divine support to uplift the downtrodden and celebrate humanity’s diverse champions.
In simple terms: Seek higher purpose in championing the marginalized.
Key Takeaway
Advocate for equality and justice.
Themes
equality
justice
human dignity
spirituality
heroism
Mood
hopeful
determined
Type
inspirational
poetic
When to use this quote
- activism
- public speaking
- community organizing
- education
- artistic expression
Key Concepts
poetry
social critique
Questions to Reflect On
- Who are the modern “mariners” you admire?
- What “rainbow” can you bring to a troubled situation?
A Different Perspective
Idealistic language may overlook practical constraints of social change.
