Tell her thisAnd more,-That the king of the seasWeeps too, old, helpless man.The bustling fatesHeap his hands with corpsesUntil he stands like a childWith surplus of toys.
The quote reflects the sorrow and helplessness of an old man, likening him to the king of the seas who also weeps. The imagery conveys a sense of loss and vulnerability, suggesting that even those who are powerful can feel overwhelmed by the burdens of fate and death. The old man is surrounded by a heap of corpses, indicating the weight of grief he carries, similar to a child overwhelmed by too many toys.
This poignant metaphor illustrates the contrast between innocence and the harsh realities of life. The king, despite his might, is portrayed as a child, suggesting a deep emotional fragility. Crane's work often explores themes of mortality and the human condition, and this passage encapsulates the struggle between power and helplessness in the face of death.