What does "bon voyage" mean and why is it the title?

It's French for "good journey" or "safe travels" — a typical send-off for someone leaving by sea. Lowell takes this everyday phrase for his title and then spends fourteen lines transforming that straightforward wish into something grand and mythical.

What is a Petrarchan sonnet and does this poem follow the rules?

A Petrarchan sonnet consists of 14 lines divided into an 8-line octave (ABBAABBA) and a 6-line sestet. Lowell adheres to this structure closely: the octave discusses the ship and ocean, presenting the situation, while the sestet expresses a specific wish for a peaceful, golden return. This is a classic example of the form applied to a real event.

What is the myth about Jove swimming to Crete?

In Greek mythology, Zeus, known as Jove in Latin, became infatuated with the Phoenician princess Europa. He changed into a stunning white bull, coaxed her onto his back, and swam with her across the sea to Crete. Lowell refers to this as the ultimate example of a serene ocean crossing — and then claims his traveler is even more valuable to him than Europa was to Zeus.

What is a Nautilus and why does Lowell end with it?

The paper nautilus is a small sea creature that drifts on the ocean's surface, using its thin shell much like a sail. It became a popular symbol in poetry during the 19th century, with Oliver Wendell Holmes penning a well-known poem about it. Lowell employs this image of fragile beauty to convey that if the sea is calm and golden enough, even this delicate sailor will venture out. This suggests that the ocean must be at its very best for her return.

What does "printless summer-sandals of the moon" mean?

It's a description of moonlight dancing on the water. The moon appears to glide over the sea's surface, yet leaves no traces — hence "printless." "Summer sandals" evokes a sense of lightness and warmth. This image is one of Lowell's most unique: graceful, weightless, and glowing all at once.

What does "westering slope" mean?

"Westering" refers to the act of moving toward the west, where the sun sets and, according to classical mythology, where the underworld begins. Ships journeying from Europe to America vanished beyond the western horizon. Lowell employs this phrase to imbue the departure with a mythic, nearly cosmic significance, while the rest of the poem emphasizes her eventual return.

Is this poem sad, happy, or both?

Both, honestly. The word "regrets" (signifying longing rather than remorse) and the idea of someone fading into the distance evoke deep sadness. Yet, the poem brims with a sense of hope and even playfulness — Lowell is more occupied with commanding the ocean and outdoing Zeus in flattery than dwelling in sorrow. The closing image of moonlight and the Nautilus emphasizes beauty instead of grief.

The Annotated Edition

BON VOYAGE by James Russell Lowell

Summary, meaning, line-by-line analysis & FAQ.

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Lowell pens a heartfelt farewell blessing for a ship taking someone he truly admires across the Atlantic.

Poet: James Russell Lowell
Themes: hope, love, memory

The PoemFull text

BON VOYAGE

James Russell Lowell

Ship, blest to bear such freight across the blue, May stormless stars control thy horoscope; In keel and hull, in every spar and rope, Be night and day to thy dear office true! Ocean, men's path and their divider too, No fairer shrine of memory and hope To the underworld adown thy westering slope E'er vanished, or whom such regrets pursue: Smooth all thy surges as when Jove to Crete Swam with less costly burthen, and prepare A pathway meet for her home-coming soon With golden undulations such as greet The printless summer-sandals of the moon And tempt the Nautilus his cruise to dare!

§01Quick summary

What this poem is about

Lowell pens a heartfelt farewell blessing for a ship taking someone he truly admires across the Atlantic. He implores the ocean to be gentle — to calm its waves and illuminate the path — treating the passenger as if they are too valuable for typical weather. The poem serves as a warm send-off, rich with classical mythology and the wish for a safe journey home.

§02Themes

Recurring themes

§03Line by line

Stanza by stanza, with notes

Ship, blest to bear such freight across the blue, / May stormless stars control thy horoscope;
Editor's note
Lowell begins by speaking to the ship directly, referring to it as *blessed* solely based on its cargo. The phrase "stormless stars" revisits the traditional notion that the stars determined the outcome of a journey—he's hoping for the most favorable skies possible for the ship. The term "freight" is intentionally modest; it initially makes the passengers sound like mere cargo, only to elevate their status by calling the ship *blest* to transport them.
In keel and hull, in every spar and rope, / Be night and day to thy dear office true!
Editor's note
Every physical part of the ship—from the structural keel to the smallest rope—works tirelessly to fulfill its role. "Dear office" refers to the ship's duty or purpose. Lowell is essentially asking the vessel to be loyal, almost as if he views it as a living, responsible being.
Ocean, men's path and their divider too, / No fairer shrine of memory and hope
Editor's note
Now Lowell turns to face the ocean. He recognizes its dual nature: it brings people together while also keeping them apart. He refers to it as a "shrine of memory and hope" — the sea carries the emotions of everyone who has crossed it, reflecting on what they've left behind and anticipating what lies ahead.
To the underworld adown thy westering slope / E'er vanished, or whom such regrets pursue:
Editor's note
"Westering slope" refers to the western horizon, where the sun sets — and in classical mythology, it's associated with the underworld. Ships heading west toward America appeared to vanish over that edge. Lowell notes that no one more deserving of being remembered has ever made that journey. Here, "regrets" signifies not remorse but a deep longing — the sorrow of those remaining on the eastern shore.
Smooth all thy surges as when Jove to Crete / Swam with less costly burthen, and prepare
Editor's note
This poem features its most notable classical reference. In Greek mythology, Zeus, also known as Jove, turned into a white bull and swam across the sea to take the princess Europa to Crete. Lowell suggests that the ocean should be as tranquil as it was for Zeus — but then playfully claims that the current passenger is a *more* expensive burden than a god transporting a princess. It's a daring and endearing compliment.
A pathway meet for her home-coming soon / With golden undulations such as greet
Editor's note
The word "her" indicates that the traveler is a woman. Lowell transitions from the outward journey to the homecoming: he wishes for the sea to create a golden path for her return. "Meet" suggests something fitting or appropriate. The tone shifts here to become more tender and filled with anticipation.
The printless summer-sandals of the moon / And tempt the Nautilus his cruise to dare!
Editor's note
The closing image is one of Lowell's most beautiful: moonlight on water leaves no footprints — "printless sandals" — and the golden path it creates is what he hopes for her return. The Nautilus, a small sea creature that glides on the ocean surface using its shell as a sail, is drawn out by the allure of those calm, shimmering waves. It's a final picture of a sea so gentle and bright that even the most fragile creature would dare to explore it.

§04Tone & mood

How this poem feels

Warm, ceremonial, and playful all at once. Lowell clearly has a deep affection for the person leaving — you can sense the genuine emotion beneath the formal Petrarchan sonnet structure. The classical references add a sense of grandeur, but the playful moment where he playfully outshines Zeus keeps it from feeling overly rigid. By the final couplet, the mood shifts to a quietly luminous, almost dreamlike quality.

§05Symbols & metaphors

Symbols & metaphors

The ship: The ship is more than just a vessel; it's a guardian holding something valuable. By addressing it directly and calling it *blest*, Lowell transforms it into a loyal servant or protector.
The westering slope: The western horizon, where the sun sinks and ships fade from sight, holds the traditional significance of the underworld’s path, giving the departure a sense of both finality and myth. Yet, the poem emphasizes that a return is still possible.
Jove swimming to Crete: The myth of Zeus carrying Europa across the sea represents the ideal of a calm, deliberate ocean crossing — yet it is outdone by the value of Lowell's traveler. This evokes both admiration and a touch of humor.
The moon's printless sandals: Moonlight on water gently caresses the surface, leaving no trace behind. It embodies grace, lightness, and beauty—the very path Lowell envisions for the woman's return home.
The Nautilus: The paper nautilus is a small creature that glides through the open sea in its own shell. In this context, it symbolizes an ocean so tranquil and golden that even the most delicate traveler would feel secure navigating it.

§06Historical context

Historical context

James Russell Lowell was part of the Boston Brahmins — a poet, critic, editor, and eventually U.S. Ambassador to both Spain and Britain. He mingled with the top literary figures of 19th-century America and had personal connections with many writers and intellectuals across the Atlantic. "Bon Voyage" is an occasional poem, meaning it was written for a specific event: the departure of a woman Lowell admired, likely sailing from America to Europe. The poem is crafted as a Petrarchan sonnet — fourteen lines split into an octave and a sestet — which was the prestigious format for serious lyric poetry during Lowell's time. His references to classical mythology (Zeus, Crete, the Nautilus) show the Harvard-educated gentleman's tendency to use Greek and Roman allusions to elevate personal emotions. This poem was published later in his career, a time when his writing had become more refined and his social circle more international.

§07FAQ

Questions readers ask

Lowell doesn’t mention her by name in the poem. While scholars have connected it to several women in his social circle, the poem intentionally serves as a universal homage. This anonymity lends the admiration a sense of reverence rather than mere gossip.

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BON VOYAGE by James Russell Lowell

BON VOYAGE

What this poem is about

Recurring themes

Stanza by stanza, with notes

How this poem feels

Symbols & metaphors

Historical context

Questions readers ask

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