Books

Books symbolize learning, but also peace and refinement. In line 5, the speaker argues that it is time to "leave the books in dust." This symbolizes the need for the country to turn its back on peace and towards war. Yet it could also be read ironically, as an indication of the cruel sacrifices Cromwell's endless wars demanded.

Armor

Armor represents preparedness for war. An early modern suit of armor could take hours to put on properly and require the intervention of multiple people. It therefore symbolizes the complexity of wartime preparations.

Lightning

Lightning symbolizes speed and danger. Cromwell is compared to "the three-forked lightning" (13). Like lightning, he is powerful and dangerous. He also moves quickly, and, the poem implies, perhaps strikes indiscriminately.

Flame

Fire is a symbol of destructive power. Fire is one of mankind's signature achievements as a species, but it also has the capacity...