Heriot's Ford (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

Heriot's Ford

By Rudyard Kipling

'What's that that hirples at my side?'

The foe that you must fight, my lord.

'That rides as fast as I can ride?'

The shadow of your might, my lord.

'Then wheel my horse against the foe!'

He's down and overpast, my lord.

You war against the sunset glow,

The judgment follows fast, my lord.

'Oh who will stay the sun's descent?'

King Joshua he is dead, my lord.

'I need an hour to repent!'

'Tis what our sister said, my lord.

'Oh do not slay me in my sins!'

You're safe awhile with us, my lord.

'Nay, kill me ere my fear begins.'

We would not serve you thus, my lord.

'Where is the doom that I must face?'

Three little leagues away, my lord.

'Then mend the horses' laggard pace!'

We need them for next day, my lord.

'Next day — next day! Unloose my cords!'

Our sister needed none, my lord.

You had no mind to face our swords,

And — where can cowards run, my lord?

'You would not kill the soul alive?'

'Twas thus our sister cried, my lord.

'I dare not die with none to shrive.'

But so our sister died, my lord.

'Then wipe the sweat from brow and cheek.

It runnels forth afresh, my lord.

'Uphold me — for the flesh is weak.'

You've finished with the Flesh, my lord.

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's "Heriot's Ford" is a poem that encapsulates the inevitability of fate, the weight of responsibility, and the consequences of actions in the face of impending doom. Set in a moment of conflict and self-realization, the poem’s dialogue between a lord and his companions serves as a profound contemplation on mortality, accountability, and the finality of one's actions.

1. Conflict and Inevitability: The conversation between the lord and his companions revolves around the impending battle or conflict, which is symbolically represented by the 'foe' and 'shadow of might'. The lord's sense of urgency, desire to repent, and need for an hour to face judgment demonstrates the struggle against an inevitable end.
2. Responsibility and Consequence: Throughout the dialogue, there is an interplay between the lord's desire to delay the imminent and the stern, unsympathetic responses from his companions. The companions represent a harsh, unyielding force, emphasizing the consequences and responsibilities that come with the lord's actions or inactions.
3. Relinquishing Control and Confronting Mortality: The lord's desperation to delay his fate, his plea to be unbound, and his final recognition of his physical weakness highlight a relinquishment of control and a confrontation with mortality. His attempts to stave off his end are met with an unyielding acceptance of fate from his companions, representing an unalterable destiny.
4. Betrayal and Consequences of Cowardice: The poem alludes to a prior betrayal or cowardice on the lord's part. The companions' refusal to grant him reprieve from his fate highlights the consequences of his earlier actions, reflecting the unforgiving nature of the world in response to cowardice or betrayal.
5. Religious Undertones and Redemption: There are religious undertones throughout the conversation, as the lord seeks repentance, fears dying in sin without absolution, and requests time to be shriven. Despite his pleas for spiritual guidance, the companions remain unmoved, leading to a grim resolution, implying that redemption or forgiveness may not be attainable at this late stage.
6. Finality and Resolution: The poem ends with a final acknowledgment of the lord's bodily weakness, as his request for support is met with a cold acknowledgment of the end of his physical existence. The companions suggest the lord's connection with the flesh has concluded, indicating the finality of his fate.

In conclusion, "Heriot's Ford" is a somber and stark portrayal of a lord's futile attempts to delay an inevitable fate and the harsh consequences of past actions. It delves into themes of responsibility, mortality, betrayal, and the unyielding nature of destiny, offering a haunting reflection on the consequences of one's deeds and the immutable nature of fate when faced with one's final moments. The poem serves as a contemplation on the inescapable realities of mortality and the repercussions of past actions in the face of an impending and unalterable fate.