Cold Iron

Author: Rudyard Kipling

Gold is for the mistress, silver for the maid,
Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade."
"Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall,
"But Iron, Cold Iron, is master of them all."

So he made rebellion 'gainst the King his liege,
Camped before his citadel and summoned it to siege.
"Nay!" said the cannoneer on the castle wall,
"But Iron, Cold Iron, shall be master of you all!"

Woe for the Baron and his knights so strong,
When the cruel cannon-balls laid 'em all along;
He was taken prisoner, he was cast in thrall,
And Iron, Cold Iron, was master of it all!

Yet his King spake kindly (ah, how kind a Lord!)
"What if I release thee now and give thee back thy sword?"
"Nay!" said the Baron, "mock not at my fall,
For Iron, Cold Iron, is master of men all."

"Tears are for the craven, prayers are for the clown,
Halters for the silly neck that cannot keep a crown."
"As my loss is grievous, so my hope is small,
For Iron, Cold Iron, must be master of men all!"

Yet his King made answer (few such Kings there be!)
"Here is Bread and here is Wine, sit and sup with me.
Eat and drink in Mary's Name, the whiles I do recall
How Iron, Cold Iron, can be master of men all!"

He took the Wine and blessed it. He blessed and brake the Bread.
With His own Hands He served Them, and presently He said:
"See! These Hands they pierced with nails, outside My city wall,
Show Iron, Cold Iron, to be master of men all."

"Wounds are for the desperate, blows are for the strong.
Balm and oil for weary hearts all cut and bruised with wrong.
I forgive thy treason, I redeem thy fall,
For Iron, Cold Iron, must be master of men all!"

"Crowns are for the valiant, sceptres for the bold!
Thrones and powers for mighty men who dare to take and hold!"
"Nay!" said the Baron, kneeling in his hall,
"But Iron, Cold Iron, is master of men all!
Iron out of Calvary is master of men all!"
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a rich exploration of power, rebellion, and redemption, wrapped in a narrative of a Baron's failed insurrection. It utilizes the recurring motif of "Iron, Cold Iron", symbolizing both tangible power (the sword, the cannon) and intangible authority (the King's rule, divine judgment). The poet employs a rhythmic, ballad-like structure, enhancing the narrative flow and contributing to the poem's dramatic, storytelling tone.

The theme of power is introduced via a hierarchy of metals, with iron reigning over gold, silver, and copper, representing varying societal roles. The Baron's rebellion against the King, and subsequent fall, underscores the peril of unchecked ambition and misuse of power. However, the poem tempers this with a theme of redemption, as the humbled Baron is forgiven by the King, who also symbolizes a Christ-like figure, offering bread, wine, and forgiveness, further enhancing the spiritual undertones of the poem.

The poem's tone fluctuates between defiant and regretful, reflecting the Baron’s journey from rebellion to submission. The repetition of the phrase "Iron, Cold Iron, is master of men all" not only emphasizes the poem's central theme but also creates a sense of inevitability of the Baron's fate. The final line, "Iron out of Calvary is master of men all!" adds a layer of religious context, suggesting that the ultimate power lies not in earthly authority but in spiritual redemption.

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.