Rimini (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

Rimini

(Marching Song of a Roman Legion of the Later Empire)

By Rudyard Kipling

When I left home for Lalage's sake

By the Legions' road to Rimini,

She vowed her heart was mine to take

With me and my shield to Rimini — 

(Till the Eagles flew from Rimini!)

And I've tramped Britain, and I've tramped Gaul,

And the Pontic shore where the snow-flakes fall

As white as the neck of Lalage — 

(As cold as the heart of Lalage!)

And I've lost Britain, and I've lost Gaul,

And I've lost Rome, and worst of all,

I've lost Lalage!

When you go by the Via Aurelia,

As thousands have travelled before,

Remember the Luck of the Soldier

Who never saw Rome any more!

Oh dear was the sweetheart that kissed him

And dear was the mother that bore,

But his shield was picked up in the heather,

And he never saw Rome any more!

And he left Rome, etc.

When you go by the Via Aurelia

That runs from the City to Gaul,

Remember the Luck of the Soldier

Who rose to be master of all!

He carried the sword and the buckler,

He mounted his guard on the Wall,

Till the Legions elected him Cæsar,

And he rose to be master of all!

And he left Rome, etc.

It's twenty-five marches to Narbo,

It's forty-five more up the Rhone,

And the end may be death in the heather

Or life on an Emperor's throne.

But whether the Eagles obey us,

Or we go to the Ravens — alone,

I'd sooner be Lalage's lover

Than sit on an Emperor's throne!

We've all left Rome for Lalage's sake, etc.

Poem Analysis:

"Rimini" by Rudyard Kipling is a poignant reflection on the experiences of a Roman soldier who leaves home and embarks on a journey to Rimini, driven by his love for Lalage. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Kipling captures the soldier's journey, his longing, and the ultimate loss he experiences.

Theme of Love and Loss: The central theme of the poem revolves around love and loss. The soldier, motivated by his love for Lalage, sets out on a journey to Rimini. However, despite his travels and experiences, he ultimately faces loss, symbolized by his inability to reunite with Lalage. The repetition of "I've lost Lalage!" underscores the depth of his longing and the emotional toll of separation.

Journey and Sacrifice: The poem traces the soldier's journey from Rome to Rimini, highlighting the sacrifices he makes along the way. He traverses Britain, Gaul, and the Pontic shore, enduring hardships and challenges in pursuit of his love. The Via Aurelia, a Roman road connecting Rome to Gaul, serves as a symbolic pathway of the soldier's quest and the trials he faces.

Symbolism of Rome: Rome symbolizes not only the soldier's homeland but also his aspirations and dreams. Throughout the poem, Rome represents the soldier's longing for stability, belonging, and the fulfillment of his desires. The repetition of "And he left Rome" reflects the soldier's departure from his roots and the uncertainties of his journey.

Ambivalence of Destiny: The poem explores the uncertainty of fate and the unpredictability of destiny. The soldier contemplates the possibility of death in the heather or the prospect of ascending to an Emperor's throne. Despite the allure of power and status, he expresses a preference for Lalage's love over worldly achievements, highlighting the primacy of personal relationships over material success.

Emotional Resonance: Kipling's use of emotive language and repetition imbues the poem with emotional resonance, eliciting empathy for the soldier's plight. The soldier's lamentations and reflections evoke a sense of longing, regret, and existential questioning, resonating with themes of love, loss, and the human condition.

In conclusion, "Rimini" by Rudyard Kipling is a poignant exploration of love, loss, and the human journey. Through the experiences of a Roman soldier, Kipling delves into themes of longing, sacrifice, and the complexities of destiny, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring power of love amidst the uncertainties of life's journey.