A Loftier Argo, Another Orpheus, A New Ulysses

Reader attention wanders freely among the layers, levels, planes and branches of Poul Anderson's fictional multiverse. Our attention has been diverted to "The Master Key." The opening pages of this story convey the ethos of the Polesotechnic League. First, the introductory quotation:

"A loftier Argo cleaves the main,

"Fraught with a later prize;

"Another Orpheus sings again,

"And loves, and weeps, and dies.

"A new Ulysses leaves once more

"Calypso for his native shore.

"-Shelley"

-Poul Anderson, "The Master Key" IN Anderson, Trader To The Stars (New York, 1966), pp. 115-159 AT p. 115.

The opening paragraph informs us that the foreign merchants had humbled a local king, then:

"...made inroads on the stock-in-trade of the Solar Spice & Liquors Company factor..." (p. 116)

The second paragraph informs, or maybe reminds, us that Nicholas van Rijn:

"...does not forget a good workman." (ibid.)

Van Rijn keeps a large penthouse on the roof of the Winged Cross in Chicago Integrate which stretches beyond the horizon. The unnamed first person narrator approaches the apartment through:

"A summer's dusk..." (ibid.)

Anderson's nature descriptions continue even when the main business is that of the League.

The narrator's friend, Harry Stenvik:

"...had built a house on the cliffs above Hardanger Fjord and raised mastiffs - and sons." (p. 117)

"...you can rise fast in the League if you survive." (ibid.)

Harry's son, employed by van Rijn, has recently become a Master Merchant.

The man who rises to meet the newcomer has:

"...a blaster that had seen considerable service at his hip." (ibid.)

The narrator bows to the wallowing van Rijn:

"...as is fitting to a merchant prince..." (p. 118)

As I say, the ethos of the League is very much on display in these pages.