The Covenant

By Rudyard Kipling

Sonnet
We thought we ranked above the chance of ill. Others might fall, not we, for we were wise, Merchants in freedom. So, of our free-will We let our servants drug our strength with lies. The pleasure and the poison had its way On us as on the meanest, till we learned That he who lies will steal, who steals will slay. Neither God's judgment nor man's heart was turned. Yet there remains His Mercy, to be sought Through wrath and peril till we cleanse the wrong By that last right which our forefathers claimed When their Law failed them and its stewards were bought. This is our cause. God help us, and make strong Our will to meet Him later, unashamed!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem deals with themes of hubris, downfall, and redemption. It commences with an air of arrogance, where the speaker and their cohort believed themselves to be impervious to harm, considering themselves wiser than those who might fall. The use of "Merchants in freedom" underscores the belief that their wisdom had allowed them to trade in liberty, immune to the pitfalls that ensnared others. However, this hubris leads to their downfall as they are misled by their servants—a metaphor that could represent various entities, from untrustworthy advisors to vices or false beliefs.

The poem’s tone shifts towards regret and despair as the speaker acknowledges the consequences of their actions. They realize the severity of their misjudgments, drawing a parallel between lying, stealing, and killing, which indicates a moral or societal collapse. The strong use of the rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter lends a certain gravity to this cautionary tale.

In the concluding lines, the poem pivots towards a theme of redemption, with the speaker seeking God's mercy and the strength to rectify their wrongs. The speaker acknowledges their ancestors' own struggles when their laws failed them—a nod to a cyclical pattern of societal or moral decay and renewal. The poem concludes on a note of resolve and hopeful anticipation, a wish to face God unashamed in the end. The poet skillfully uses juxtaposition, a strong moral message, and an engaging narrative arc to draw in the reader and provoke introspection.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.