Meaning: This quote is from a poem called "The Ropewalk" by George Washington Cable, an American novelist and reformer who lived from 1844 to 1925. The poem describes a surreal and dreamlike scene where a small, unconventional vessel arrives in a port without any traditional rigging. The speaker is struck by the oddity of the situation and expresses a mix of amazement and amusement at the sight. The unexpected appearance of this peculiar craft, and the fact that it ends up mooring itself within the speaker's room, leads to an exclamation about the speaker's daughter, suggesting that the arrival of this unusual vessel is somehow connected to her.

The poem evokes a sense of wonder and mystery, as well as a feeling of the uncanny. The absence of rigging on the little craft makes it appear out of place and defies conventional expectations of what a ship should look like. The fact that it arrives at the port on a Sunday night adds to the otherworldly atmosphere of the scene. The speaker's reaction of laughter and incredulity reflects the strangeness of the situation and the impossibility of the little craft's journey.

The use of the word "queerest" in the opening line of the quote is notable. In the context of the time when the poem was written, the word "queer" could have been used to mean strange, peculiar, or unconventional. However, given the historical context of George Washington Cable and his advocacy for social justice, it's worth considering whether there may be an additional layer of meaning in the use of this word. The arrival of the unconventional vessel could be seen as a metaphor for the arrival of something or someone who doesn't conform to societal norms or expectations.

The line "It seemed so curious that she should cross the unknown water" further emphasizes the mysterious nature of the little craft's journey. The use of the word "unknown" to describe the water suggests a sense of uncharted territory and the idea of venturing into the unfamiliar or the enigmatic. This can be interpreted as a metaphor for the journey of life itself, with all its uncertainties and unexpected arrivals.

The final exclamation "O my daughter!" adds a personal and emotional dimension to the poem. It brings to the forefront the speaker's deep connection to the arrival of the little craft, suggesting that it holds a special significance in relation to the speaker's daughter. This exclamation also conveys a sense of surprise and concern, as if the speaker is both amazed and worried about the implications of the arrival.

In conclusion, George Washington Cable's quote from "The Ropewalk" conveys a sense of wonder, mystery, and the uncanny. The arrival of the unconventional little craft without rigging on a Sunday night creates a surreal and dreamlike scene that challenges traditional expectations. The poem's use of language and imagery invites readers to contemplate the unexpected and the inexplicable, as well as the personal connections and emotions that arise from such encounters.