Author: Rudyard Kipling

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One man in a thousand, Solomon says,
Will stick more close than a brother.
And it's worth while seeking him half your days
If you find him before the other.
Nine nundred and ninety-nine depend
On what the world sees in you,
But the Thousandth man will stand your friend
With the whole round world agin you.

'Tis neither promise nor prayer nor show
Will settle the finding for 'ee.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em go
By your looks, or your acts, or your glory.
But if he finds you and you find him.
The rest of the world don't matter;
For the Thousandth Man will sink or swim
With you in any water.

You can use his purse with no more talk
Than he uses yours for his spendings,
And laugh and meet in your daily walk
As though there had been no lendings.
Nine hundred and ninety-nine of 'em call
For silver and gold in their dealings;
But the Thousandth Man h's worth 'em all,
Because you can show him your feelings.

His wrong's your wrong, and his right's your right,
In season or out of season.
Stand up and back it in all men's sight,
With that for your only reason!
Nine hundred and ninety-nine can't bide
The shame or mocking or laughter,
But the Thousandth Man will stand by your side
To the gallows-foot, and after!

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Type of Poem: Lyric Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: Rudyard Kipling’s "The Thousandth Man" is a Lyric Poem with strong elements of Moral Reflection and Celebratory Tribute. The poem meditates on the rarity and immense value of true, unconditional friendship—a bond that goes beyond appearances, success, or societal judgment. The central theme is the contrast between superficial relationships, which are plentiful, and the profound loyalty of a rare few who stand by you regardless of circumstance. Kipling asserts that while most people evaluate you by your achievements, failures, or public image, the "Thousandth Man" will stand by you unwaveringly, even in disgrace, defeat, or death.

The tone is earnest, admiring, and slightly cautionary. The speaker urges readers to seek such a rare companion, knowing that most of their social interactions will be conditional and transactional. Through simple, strong imagery—such as sharing a purse without hesitation, or standing by a friend even "to the gallows-foot, and after"—Kipling conveys the profound trust, loyalty, and emotional vulnerability that characterize this exceptional bond. The colloquial phrasing ("'ee" for "you," "h's worth 'em all") and the repetitive structure of contrasting the "nine hundred and ninety-nine" with the "one" reinforce the stark odds and the immense worth of finding such a friend.

Structurally, the poem moves forward with rhythmic energy, using repetition to drum in the rarity of real loyalty. Each stanza builds the emotional weight a little further, first describing what false friendships are like, and then exalting the steadfastness of the Thousandth Man. Kipling's insistence that this loyalty is not won by "promise nor prayer nor show" emphasizes that genuine brotherhood cannot be bought or forced—it must be discovered through character and fate. Historically, Kipling’s own life, marked by friendships forged in colonial service, military camaraderie, and personal tragedy, lends personal resonance to his insistence on the primacy of true loyalty over social conformity.

Ultimately, "The Thousandth Man" is a powerful, heartfelt tribute to rare and indestructible friendship. Kipling elevates the friend who stands against the world on your behalf to an almost sacred status, suggesting that such a bond redeems the otherwise transactional and fickle nature of human relations. In doing so, the poem becomes both a celebration of loyalty and a sober recognition of its rarity.