The Fall Of Jock Gillespie

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
This fell when dinner-time was done 'Twixt the first an' the second rub That oor mon Jock cam' hame again To his rooms ahint the Club. An' syne he laughed, an' syne he sang, An' syne we thocht him fou, An' syne he trumped his partner's trick, An' garred his partner rue. Then up and spake an elder mon, That held the Spade its Ace God save the lad! Whence comes the licht "That wimples on his face?" An' Jock he sniggered, an' Jock he smiled, An' ower the card-brim wunk: "I'm a' too fresh fra' the stirrup-peg, "May be that I am drunk." "There's whusky brewed in Galashils "An' L. L. L. forbye; "But never liquor lit the lowe "That keeks fra' oot your eye. "There's a third o' hair on your dress-coat breast, "Aboon the heart a wee?" "Oh! that is fra' the lang-haired Skye "That slobbers ower me." "Oh! lang-haired Skyes are lovin' beasts, "An' terrier dogs are fair, "But never yet was terrier born, "Wi' ell-lang gowden hair! "There's a smirch o' pouther on your breast, "Below the left lappel?" "Oh! that is fra' my auld cigar, "Whenas the stump-end fell." "Mon Jock, ye smoke the Trichi coarse, "For ye are short o' cash, "An' best Havanas couldna leave "Sae white an' pure an ash. "This nicht ye stopped a story braid, "An' stopped it wi' a curse. "Last nicht ye told that tale yoursel' "An' capped it wi' a worse! "Oh! we're no fou! Oh! we're no fou! "But plainly we can ken "Ye're fallin', fallin' fra the band "O' cantie single men!" An' it fell when siris-shaws were sere, An' the nichts were lang and mirk, In braw new breeks, wi' a gowden ring, Oor Jocke gaed to the Kirk!

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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 lively exploration of camaraderie, aging, and the transition from bachelorhood to marriage, all set within a distinctly Scottish context. The use of Scottish vernacular not only roots the poem in a particular place and culture, but also gives it a unique rhythm and energy. The structure of the narrative, unfolding through dialogue amidst a casual card game, provides a vivid snapshot of the characters' dynamics and personalities. This sense of community is ironically juxtaposed with the protagonist's impending shift from "cantie single men" to married life.

The tone of the poem is jovial and teasing, yet there's an undercurrent of solemnity, particularly when the companions recognize their friend's departure from their shared lifestyle. The use of playful language and humor, such as the continual questioning about the state of Jock's attire, cleverly masks the deeper emotional resonance of the poem. The repeated phrase, "An' it fell," bookends the poem, suggesting the cyclical nature of life's phases and transitions. The poet also uses imagery and metaphor to hint at Jock's impending marriage, such as the "gowden ring" and his journey to the Kirk. A standout literary device is the use of dialect, which adds richness and authenticity to the poem. Overall, this poem masterfully balances humor, warmth, and a touch of melancholy, as it explores the shared human experience of change and growth.

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.