The Disciple

Author: Rudyard Kipling

He that hath a Gospel
 To loose upon Mankind,
Though he serve it utterly,
 Body, soul and mind,
Though he go to Calvary
 Daily for its gain,
It is His Disciple
 Shall make his labour vain.

He that hath a Gospel
 For all earth to own,
Though he etch it on the steel,
 Or carve it on the stone,
Not to be misdoubted
 Through the after-days,
It is His Disciple
 Shall read it many ways.

It is His Disciple
 (Ere Those Bones are dust )
Who shall change the Charter,
 Who shall split the Trust,
Amplify distinctions,
 Rationalize the Claim;
Preaching that the Master
 Would have done the same.

It is His Disciple
 Who shall tell us how
Much the Master would have scrapped
 Had he lived till now,
What he would have modified
 Of what he said before.
It is His Disciple
 Shall do this and more....

He that hath a Gospel
 Whereby Heaven is won
(Carpenter, or cameleer,
 Or Maya's dreaming son),
Many swords shall pierce Him,
 Mingling blood with gall;
But His Own Disciple
 Shall wound Him worst of 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 delves into the theme of the distortion of original messages and teachings over time, particularly in the context of religious or ideological gospels. The tone carries an air of lament, tinged with a certain inevitability. The poet speaks of the inevitability of the original message being twisted and misinterpreted by those who follow, often with good intention but detrimental effect. The idea that the 'Disciple' causes the most harm to the Gospel is both poignant and thought-provoking, inviting readers to consider how interpretation can impact and alter original intent.

The poem's structure, consisting of five stanzas of varying length, each beginning with the phrase 'He that hath a Gospel', creates a rhythmic repetition that highlights the central theme. The recurring image of the 'Disciple' who misinterprets the 'Gospel' serves as a powerful metaphor for the human tendency to reshape and redefine ideologies according to personal or societal perspectives. The allusion to the 'Master' and 'His Disciple' hints at biblical narratives, broadening the poem's relevance to encompass all forms of teachings, be they religious or otherwise. The poet's use of imagery, such as 'etch it on the steel' and 'carve it on the stone', underscores the supposed permanence of these 'Gospels', further emphasizing the irony of their inevitable distortion. The poem is a profound exploration of how teachings evolve and are often misinterpreted over time, reminding us of the delicate balance between faithfulness to the original message and the fluidity of interpretation.

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.