The keel is the part of the ship that provides stability. what is whitman referring to with the phrase the steady keel

The keen is a part of the boat that is used to support the boat, as in the poem the keen is used as a symbol of a strong nation.

Explanation:

The first use of the keel represents stability that the boat needs to have on the water. The other use of keel is as a synecdoche.  

In Witman’s poem, the steady keel is a symbol of a strong and stable nation, that although has to pass many obstacles it maintains itself strong. It represents the whole boat that carries the nation on its deck.

hygelac - beowulf's uncle, king of the geats, and husband of hygd. hygelac heartily welcomes beowulf back from denmark. hygd - hygelac's wife, the young, beautiful, and intelligent queen of the geats. hygd is contrasted with queen hope this