The Twins

By Robert Browning

Fable
    Give and It-shall-be-given-unto-you. I.     Grand rough old Martin Luther     Bloomed fables, flowers on furze,     The better the uncouther:     Do roses stick like burrs? II.     A beggar asked an alms     One day at an abbey-door,     Said Luther; but, seized with qualms,     The abbot replied, Were poor! III.     Poor, who had plenty once,     When gifts fell thick as rain:     But they give us nought, for the nonce,     And how should we give again? IV.     Then the beggar, See your sins!     Of old, unless I err,     Ye had brothers for inmates, twins,     Date and Dabitur. V.     While Date was in good case     Dabitur flourished too:     For Dabiturs lenten face     No wonder if Date rue. VI.     Would ye retrieve the one?     Try and make plump the other!     When Dates penance is done,     Dabitur helps his brother. VII.     Only, beware relapse!     The Abbot hung his head.     This beggar might be perhaps     An angel, Luther said.

Share & Analyze This Poem

Spread the beauty of poetry or dive deeper into analysis

Analyze This Poem

Discover the literary devices, structure, and deeper meaning

Copy to Clipboard

Save this poem for personal use or sharing offline

Share the Love of Poetry
More Poems
More Fables
Daily Poem

Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a didactic narrative that employs the allegorical device to underscore the theme of generosity and reciprocity. The title, "Give and It-shall-be-given-unto-you," serves not just as a title, but as the overarching moral of the piece, lifted from the Biblical concept of giving and receiving.

The poem begins with a reference to Martin Luther, a figure synonymous with challenging established norms, specifically within the Church. His presence sets a tone of questioning traditional beliefs or practices. The poem then unfolds in a series of exchanges between a beggar and an abbot, using the characters as mouthpieces to present a moral argument about generosity. The beggar represents the voice of wisdom, challenging the abbot's perceived poverty by insinuating that their lack of giving has led to their current state of deprivation.

The narrative structure of the poem, broken down into numbered stanzas, enhances the progression of the argument and the change in the abbot's comprehension of the situation. Symbolic references to "Date" and "Dabitur," Latin terms for "give" and "it shall be given," further illustrate the theme and reinforce the lesson about the cycle of generosity. The poem concludes with a caution against relapse, indicating the necessity of continuous giving. The final line suggests that the beggar might be an angel, a common trope used to depict the idea that every act of kindness has divine significance, thereby rounding off the moral lesson. The tone, while critical, also carries a sense of wisdom and guidance, making a compelling argument about the importance of benevolence and the cycle of give-and-take.

Understanding Fables

A fable is a timeless form of storytelling, typically featuring animals as characters that embody human traits, all while conveying a moral lesson. These short narratives have been used throughout history to impart wisdom, offering insights that remain relevant across generations.

Fables stand out for their simplicity and clarity, often concluding with a lesson that is easy to understand and remember. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Animal Characters: The main characters are often animals that represent human behaviors and characteristics, making the stories both engaging and relatable.
  • Concise Narrative: Fables are brief and focused, with each story centering around a single event or interaction that leads to a moral conclusion.
  • Moral Lesson: The purpose of a fable is to teach a lesson, which is usually stated clearly at the end, offering practical advice or ethical guidance.

From Aesop's ancient tales to modern adaptations, fables continue to be a powerful tool for education and moral reflection, resonating with audiences of all ages.