How we cite our quotes: (Line)
Quote #1
All you recovered from Poseidon died
With you, my cousin, (45-46)
Though the drowned sailor managed to "recover" a few things from Poseidon, they didn't save him. Lowell's referring to the skills that the sailor, and all sailors, must learn in order to navigate the sea; it's hard work, no doubt. Ultimately, these skills weren't enough, because the sea (and God) are stronger than anything the sailor could learn. That's a good reason not to get too cocky about your talents, huh?
Quote #2
[…] rock
Our warships in the hand
Of the great God, (53-54)
These "great" (big) warships are being portrayed as an affront to God because of their prideful destruction. Because of their lack of humility (and lack of respect for the sea's power), they were "rocked" in the hands of the creator and destroyed (much like Winslow's ship, which exploded at sea).
Quote #3
There once the penitents took off their shoes
And then walked barefoot the remaining mile;
And the small trees, a stream and hedgerows file (107-109)
The people visiting the shrine are meek, taking off their shoes out of respect. Their humility is on display, as is the humility of the shrine itself; the trees are small, and there's a stream with neatly trimmed hedges. Are we meant to compare this display of man's humility with the prideful pursuits of the sailors?