There is no Frigate like a Book

There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul –

Emily Dickinson (born on 10 December 1830)

This poem was written in a letter in 1873, and then originally published in Volume I of her Letters (1894).

Emily Dickinson creates metaphors connecting the world of reading to that of travelling and underlines that travelling through literature is far more accessible, affordable, and exciting than travelling on the road. In addition, our souls or imagination can be carried much farther.

---

 👉️ A frigate is a sailing vessel, able to travel at high speed. If you need a more detailed explanation, please read  equipsblog’ s comment

---

Nessun Vascello esiste che come un Libro
possa portarci in Terre lontane,
né Corsieri che come una Pagina
di Poesia possano galoppare –
anche il più povero può affrontare questo Viaggio,
senza ch’abbia a pagar alcun Pedaggio –
tanto modesto è il Cocchio
che trasporta l’Anima Umana –
(L,Z.)