How Rumplestilz Held Out In Vain For A Bonus

By Guy Wetmore Carryl

    In Germany there lived an earl     Who had a charming niece:     And never gave the timid girl     A single moment's peace!     Whatever low and menial task     His fancy flitted through,     He did not hesitate to ask     That shrinking child to do.     (I see with truly honest shame you     Are blushing, and I do not blame you.     A tale like this the feelings softens,     And brings the tears, as does "Two Orphans.")     She had to wash the windows, and     She had to scrub the floors,     She had to lend a willing hand     To fifty other chores:     She gave the dog his exercise,     She read the earl the news,     She ironed all his evening ties,     And polished all his shoes,     She cleaned the tins that filled the dairy,     She cut the claws of the canary,     And then, at night, with manner winsome,     When coal was wanted, carried in some!     But though these tasks were quite enough,     He thought them all too few,     And so her uncle, rude and rough,     Invented something new.     He took her to a little room,     Her willingness to tax,     And pointed out a broken loom     And half a ton of flax,     Observing: "Spin six pairs of trousers!"     His haughty manner seemed to rouse hers.     She met his scornful glances proudly--     But when the earl went down the stair     She yielded to her fears.     Gave way at last to grim despair,     And melted into tears:     When suddenly, from out the wall,     As if he felt at home,     There pounced a singularly small     And much distorted gnome.     He smiled a smile extremely vapid,     And set to work in fashion rapid;     No time for resting he deducted,     And soon the trousers were constructed.     The girl observed: "How very nice     To help me out this way!"     The gnome replied: "A certain price     Of course you'll have to pay.     I'll call to-morrow afternoon,     My due reward to claim,     And then you'll sing another tune     Unless you guess my name!"     He indicated with a gesture     The pile of newly fashioned vesture:     His eyes on hers a moment centered,     And then he went, as he had entered.     As by this tale you have been grieved     And heartily distressed,     Kind sir, you will be much relieved     To know his name she guessed:     But if I do not tell the same,     Pray count it not a crime:--     I've tried my best, and for that name     I can't find any rhyme!     Yet spare me from remarks injurious:     I will not leave you foiled and furious.     If something must proclaim the answer,     And I cannot, the title can, sir!     The Moral is: All said and done,     There's nothing new beneath the sun,     And many times before, a title     Was incapacity's requital!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a playful yet poignant narrative that employs the familiar trope of an oppressed and overworked maiden, reminiscent of the Cinderella story or the Rumpelstiltskin tale. The story transpires through rhymed quatrains, with a consistent AABB rhyme scheme, which adds a rhythmic cadence and an enjoyable, light-hearted tone to the narration. The poem explores themes of exploitation, power dynamics, and ultimately, triumph through cleverness.

The protagonist's exploitation by her uncle is vividly illustrated through detailed descriptions of her menial tasks. However, the tone is not entirely grim, as the poet imbues the narrative with touches of humor, making the earl's demands increasingly absurd. This balance of humor and poignant reality is a notable feature of the poem. The arrival of the gnome, a classic fairy-tale element, introduces a bit of magic to the story. His demand that his name be guessed adds an element of suspense and challenge.

The concluding stanza, the "moral," suggests the cyclical nature of life, the recurring patterns in human behavior, and the power of cleverness to overcome adversity. The playful meta-reference to the poem's title not rhyming with the gnome's name demonstrates the poet's self-awareness and clever wit, making the poem not just an enjoyable narrative, but also a commentary on the nature of storytelling and poetry itself.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.


Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.