A School Song

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
"Let us now praise famous men", Men of little showing, For their work continueth, And their work continueth, Broad and deep continues, Greater then their knowing! Western wind and open surge Took us from our mothers, Flung us on a naked shore (Twelve bleak houses by the shore. Seven summers by the shore!) 'Mid two hundred brothers. There we met with famous men Set in office o'er us; And they beat on us with rods, Faithfully with many rods, Daily beat us on with rods, For the love they bore us! Out of Egypt unto Troy, Over Himalaya, Far and sure our bands have gone, Hy-Brazil or Babylon, Islands of the Southern Run, And Cities of Cathaia! And we all praise famous men, Ancients of the College; For they taught us common sense, Tried to teach us common sense, Truth and God's Own Common Sense, Which is more than knowledge! Each degree of Latitude Strung about Creation Seeth one or more of us (Of one muster each of us), Diligent in that he does, Keen in his vocation. This we learned from famous men, Knowing not its uses, When they showed, in daily work, Man must finish off his work, Right or wrong, his daily work, And without excuses. Servant of the Staff and chain, Mine and fuse and grapnel, Some, before the face of Kings, Stand before the face of Kings; Bearing gifts to divers Kings, Gifts of case and shrapnel. This we learned from famous men Teaching in our borders, Who declared it was best, Safest, easiest, and best, Expeditious, wise, and best, To obey your orders. Some beneath the further stars Bear the greater burden: Set to serve the lands they rule, (Save he serve no man may rule ), Serve and love the lands they rule; Seeking praise nor guerdon. This we learned from famous men, Knowing not we learned it. Only, as the years went by, Lonely, as the years went by, Far from help as years went by, Plainer we discerned it. Wherefore praise we famous men From whose bays we borrow, They that put aside To-day, All the joys of their To-day, And with toil of their To-day Bought for us To-morrow! Bless and praise we famous men, Men of little showing, For their work continueth, And their work continueth, Broad and deep continueth, Great beyond their knowing!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem provides a compelling examination of the role of "famous men" in shaping society and the individual. The recurring theme of praising these men, who are depicted as guides, masters, or teachers, is emphasized through the repetition of the phrase "famous men," creating a rhythmic structure that reinforces the significance of their influence.

The tone of the poem is a blend of reverence and critical reflection. The poet acknowledges the efforts of these men in molding society and imparting knowledge, but there's also an undercurrent of irony and criticism. This is evident in the depiction of these men as taskmasters who "beat on us with rods, for the love they bore us," suggesting a critique of their harsh methods.

The poet uses geographical references, such as Egypt, Troy, Himalaya, and Babylon, to emphasize the far-reaching influence of these men, which transcends national and cultural boundaries. There is also an interesting interplay between the grandeur of the "famous men" and the humility of the ordinary people whose "work continueth, broad and deep continueth, great beyond their knowing." This contrast further underscores the power dynamics at play.

The use of repetition and anaphora (the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of consecutive lines or sentences) lends a certain weight and rhythm to the poem, emphasizing the enduring, repeating influence and lessons of these "famous men." The poem ultimately presents a complex picture of authority and influence, acknowledging the importance of these figures, while also critically examining their methods and the burdens they place on those they guide.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.