Two Old Kings by Carolyn Wells
Two kings from rival realms embark on a nautical adventure, setting sail in a whimsical vessel called a jigamaree. Neither king possesses the skill to navigate, leading to their boat capsizing and leaving them drenched. Stranded in the water, both kings are unable to swim, forcing them to float helplessly while their boat drifts away. As they struggle with their predicament, they become increasingly anxious. However, their fortunes change when they spot a passing ship. In a state of panic, both kings call out for help, resulting in a rescue boat being dispatched to save them. Overjoyed at their deliverance, the kings express their relief and gratitude, highlighting the absurdity of their earlier misadventure. The narrative combines elements of humor and folly, showcasing the kings' incompetence and the unexpected twists of their journey. The story emphasizes themes of camaraderie and the unpredictability of fate, as the kings' initial misfortune transforms into a fortunate escape.
By Carolyn Wells · First published 1920 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama · 210 words
First lines
Oh! the King of Kanoodledum / And the King of Kanoodledee, / They went to sea / In a jigamaree -- / A full-rigged jigamaree.
And one king couldn't steer, / And the other, no more could he; / So they both upset / And they both got wet, / As wet as wet could be.
And one king couldn't swim / And the other, he couldn't, too; / So they had to float, / While their empty boat / Danced away o'er the sea so blue.
Then the King of Kanoodledum / He turned a trifle pale, / And so did he / Of Kanoodledee, / But they saw a passing sail!
What this Textopian page supports
Two Old Kings is listed on Textopian as a short story by Carolyn Wells, dated 1920 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Carolyn Wells
- Date: 1920 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 210 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Two Old Kings by Carolyn Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is largely based in a historical setting, exploring the narrative of two old kings from a bygone era.
- Adventure — There are significant elements of adventure and exploration as the characters navigate through their environment and circumstances.
- Drama — Themes of political intrigue and power dynamics add elements of drama to the narrative.
Tags
kings · royalty · friendship · betrayal · adventure · fantasy · politics · conflict · wisdom · age · legacy · power