Meaning: The quote "Thus, I steer my bark, and sail On even keel, with gentle gale" is from the poem "The Spleen" by Matthew Green, an English poet who lived from 1696 to 1737. This line from the poem reflects the poet's attitude towards navigating through life's challenges with composure and balance.

In this quote, the poet uses the metaphor of steering a boat to convey the idea of navigating through life. The "bark" refers to a small sailing vessel, and the act of "sailing On even keel" signifies maintaining stability and equilibrium. The phrase "with gentle gale" suggests that the poet is able to move forward smoothly, propelled by a gentle, favorable wind.

Matthew Green's poem "The Spleen" is a mock-epic poem that explores the theme of melancholy and the human experience. The poem is written in a satirical and humorous tone, and it presents a satirical view of the poet's own struggles with the spleen, which was an archaic term for a state of melancholy or depression.

The quote can be interpreted as a reflection of the poet's ability to maintain a sense of balance and composure in the face of life's challenges. The image of "steering my bark" suggests a deliberate and controlled approach to navigating through life, while the notion of sailing "On even keel" conveys the idea of maintaining stability and avoiding the extremes of emotional turbulence. The "gentle gale" represents the favorable conditions that the poet encounters, allowing him to move forward with ease and grace.

This quote can resonate with people who strive to maintain a sense of balance and equanimity in their lives. It encapsulates the idea of navigating through life's ups and downs with a steady and composed demeanor, even in the face of challenges and adversity. It conveys a sense of resilience and inner strength, as well as an acceptance of the natural ebbs and flows of life.

Matthew Green's use of language in this quote is simple yet evocative, and it captures the essence of the poet's outlook on life. The imagery of sailing on a calm and steady sea with a gentle breeze provides a powerful and relatable metaphor for the experience of navigating through life's journey. It suggests an attitude of embracing the present moment and moving forward with grace and poise, even when faced with obstacles or difficulties.

Overall, this quote from Matthew Green's poem "The Spleen" offers a timeless message of resilience, balance, and serenity in the face of life's challenges. It serves as a reminder to approach life with a steady hand and a calm mind, and to find strength in the ability to navigate through both calm and turbulent waters with grace and composure.