Sir Richard's Song (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

Sir Richard's Song

(A.D. 1066)

By Rudyard Kipling

I followed my Duke ere I was a lover,

    To take from England fief and fee;

But now this game is the other way over — 

    But now England hath taken me!

I had my horse, my shield and banner,

    And a boy's heart, so whole and free;

But now I sing in another manner — 

    But now England hath taken me!

As for my Father in his tower,

    Asking news of my ship at sea;

He will remember his own hour — 

    Tell him England hath taken me!

As for my Mother in her bower,

    That rules my Father so cunningly,

She will remember a maiden's power — 

    Tell her England hath taken me!

As for my Brother in Rouen City,

    A nimble and naughty page is he,

But he will come to suffer and pity — 

    Tell him England hath taken me!

As for my little Sister waiting

    In the pleasant orchards of Normandie,

Tell her youth is the time for mating — 

    Tell her England hath taken me!

As for my Comrades in camp and highway,

    That lift their eyebrows scornfully,

Tell them their way is not my way — 

    Tell them England hath taken me!

Kings and Princes and Barons famèd,

    Knights and Captains in your degree;

Hear me a little before I am blamèd — 

    Seeing England hath taken me!

Howso great man's strength be reckoned,

    There are two things he cannot flee;

Love is the first, and Death is the second — 

    And Love in England hath taken me!

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's "Sir Richard's Song" unfolds a tale of a knight who initially set out on a journey to serve his Duke, only to find himself captured not by the enemy, but by the love and allure of England. Through the voice of Sir Richard, the poem explores themes of love, loyalty, and the inexorable pull of one's homeland. This analysis delves into the poetic elements and underlying emotions that characterize Kipling's evocative narrative.

1. The Journey and Transformation: The poem begins with Sir Richard reflecting on his initial motivations for embarking on a journey, driven by duty and allegiance to his Duke. However, a significant transformation occurs as the narrative unfolds. The shift in perspective is highlighted by the repetition of the phrase "But now." This transition signals a turning point in Sir Richard's allegiance, from being a loyal servant to becoming captivated by England.
2. The Duality of Identity: The duality of Sir Richard's identity is central to the poem. He acknowledges his past life as a knight with a "horse, shield, and banner," portraying the traditional image of a warrior. Yet, the juxtaposition of the past and present reveals his changed circumstances. The repetition of "But now England hath taken me!" serves as a refrain, emphasizing the profound shift in Sir Richard's allegiance and the merging of his identity with England.
3. Emotional Resonance: Kipling masterfully infuses the poem with emotional resonance. Sir Richard's declarations are not merely expressions of duty but heartfelt admissions of love and belonging. The emotional depth is conveyed through the references to familial relationships — his father, mother, brother, and sister. Each stanza resonates with a mix of nostalgia, familial ties, and a sense of yearning for connection.
4. The Power of Love and Country: Kipling uses the repetition of "Tell him/her/them England hath taken me!" as a powerful refrain that echoes the inevitability of Sir Richard's commitment to England. The phrasing emphasizes not only the personal transformation but also the inescapable pull of patriotism and love for one's homeland. The repetition serves as a poetic device that reinforces the gravity of Sir Richard's new allegiance.
5. Universal Themes: Beyond the specific narrative of Sir Richard, the poem touches on universal themes of love, loyalty, and the transformative power of one's homeland. It resonates with readers by tapping into the shared experiences of sacrifice, duty, and the emotional ties that bind individuals to their roots.

In "Sir Richard's Song," Rudyard Kipling crafts a poignant narrative that explores the profound transformation of a knight's allegiance from his Duke to England. The poem delves into the emotional landscape of love, familial ties, and the inexorable pull of one's homeland. Through evocative language and thematic richness, Kipling captures the essence of individual transformation and the enduring power of love for country.