The City Of Brass

By Rudyard Kipling

"Here was a people whom after their works thou shalt see wept over for their lost dominion: and in this palace is the last information respecting lords collected in the dust.", The Arabian Nights. In a land that the sand overlays, the ways to her gates are untrod, A multitude ended their days whose gates were made splendid by God, Till they grew drunk and were smitten with madness and went to their fall, And of these is a story written: but Allah Alone knoweth all! When the wine stirred in their heart their bosoms dilated. They rose to suppose themselves kings over all things created, To decree a new earth at a birth without labour or sorrow, To declare: "We prepare it to-day and inherit to-morrow." They chose themselves prophets and priests of minute understanding, Men swift to see done, and outrun, their extremest commanding, Of the tribe which describe with a jibe the perversions of Justice, Panders avowed to the crowd whatsoever its lust is. Swiftly these pulled down the walls that their fathers had made them, The impregnable ramparts of old, they razed and relaid them As playgrounds of pleasure and leisure, with limitless entries, And havens of rest for the wastrels where once walked the sentries; And because there was need of more pay for the shouters and marchers, They disbanded in face of their foemen their yeomen and archers. They replied to their well-wishers fears, to their enemies laughter, Saying: "Peace! We have fashioned a God Which shall save us hereafter. We ascribe all dominion to man in his factions conferring, And have given to numbers the Name of the Wisdom unerring." They said: "Who has hate in his soul? Who has envied his neighbour? Let him arise and control both that man and his labour." They said: "Who is eaten by sloth? Whose unthrift has destroyed him? He shall levy a tribute from all because none have employed him." They said: "Who hath toiled, who hath striven, and gathered possession? Let him be spoiled. He hath given full proof of transgression." They said: "Who is irked by the Law? Though we may not remove it. If he lend us his aid in this raid, we will set him above it! So the robber did judgment again upon such as displeased him, The slayer, too, boasted his slain, and the judges released him. As for their kinsmen far off, on the skirts of the nation, They harried all earth to make sure none escaped reprobation. They awakened unrest for a jest in their newly-won borders, And jeered at the blood of their brethren betrayed by their orders. They instructed the ruled to rebel, their rulers to aid them; And, since such as obeyed them not fell, their Viceroys obeyed them. When the riotous set them at naught they said: "Praise the upheaval! For the show and the world and the thought of Dominion is evil!" They unwound and flung from them with rage, as a rag that defied them, The imperial gains of the age which their forefathers piled them. They ran panting in haste to lay waste and embitter for ever The wellsprings of Wisdom and Strengths which are Faith and Endeavour. They nosed out and digged up and dragged forth and exposed to derision All doctrine of purpose and worth and restraint and prevision: And it ceased, and God granted them all things for which they had striven, And the heart of a beast in the place of a mans heart was given....         .     .    .     .     .     .     .     .     When they were fullest of wine and most flagrant in error, Out of the sea rose a sign, out of Heaven a terror. Then they saw, then they heard, then they knew, for none troubled to hide it, A host had prepared their destruction, but still they denied it. They denied what they dared not abide if it came to the trail; But the Sward that was forged while they lied did not heed their denial. It drove home, and no time was allowed to the crowd that was driven. The preposterous-minded were cowed, they thought time would be given. There was no need of a steed nor a lance to pursue them; It was decreed their own deed, and not a chance, should undo them. The tares they had laughingly sown were ripe to the reaping. The trust they had leagued to disown was removed from their keeping. The eaters of other mens bread, the exempted from hardship, The excusers of impotence fled, abdicating their wardship, For the hate they had taught through the State brought the State no defender, And it passed from the roll of the Nations in headlong surrender!

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Poem Details

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

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a profound exploration of themes such as pride, hubris, and the downfall of civilizations. Its tone varies from reflective and somber to critical and admonishing, with the poet offering a dire warning about the dangers of arrogance and disregard for tradition and wisdom.

The poem's structure is narrative, unveiling a dramatic tale of a society that, intoxicated by power, abandons its values and ultimately falls into ruin. Distinctive usage of literary devices such as metaphor and symbolism enhance the narrative. For instance, "wine stirred in their heart" symbolizes the intoxication of power, while "the Sward that was forged while they lied" represents truth and justice striking back.

The poem underscores the destructive results of uncontrolled ambition, disregard for wisdom, and the perversion of justice. It also critiques the societal ills of corruption, inequity, and the abuse of power. The repeated use of "they said" before presenting flawed ideologies, highlights these errors in judgment and the subsequent downfall of the society.

The warning that a society's own deeds will be its undoing is a powerful message, reminding the reader of the importance of humility, respect for law and order, and careful stewardship of power. Thus, the poem serves both as a critique of human folly and a cautionary tale for future societies.

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.