Poet and King by Eugene Field (1890)
The poem tells the story of a king who has everything he could possibly want but still feels empty and unfulfilled. He tries to distract himself with lavish feasts and entertainment, but nothing seems to bring him joy. One day, a poor beggar comes to his court and sings a sad song that touches the king's heart. The king is moved by the beggar's song and begins to see the world in a different light.
By Eugene Field · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical · 514 words
First lines
THOUGH I am king, I have no throne Save this rough wooden siege alone; I have no empire, yet my sway Extends a myriad leagues away; No servile vassal bends his knee In grovelling reverence to me, Yet at my word all hearts beat high, And there is fire in every eye, And love and gratitude they bring As tribute unto me, a king.
The folk that throng the busy street Know not it is a king they meet; And I am glad there is not seen The monarch in my face and mien.
What this Textopian page supports
Poet and King is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1890 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Philosophical, Romanticism, Inspirational
- Length: 514 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- John Smith by Eugene Field
- Longfellow by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Lincoln by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
- Byron by John Morley
- Bayard Taylor by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Mark Twain by Oliver Herford
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of power, influence, and the human experience are explored in a nuanced manner typical of literary fiction.
- Philosophical — The poem reflects on the nature of kingship and the power of art, inviting deeper contemplation on these themes.
- Romanticism — The emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the beauty of human connection aligns with Romantic ideals.
Tags
Biography · Non-Fiction · Literary Criticism · American Literature · 19th Century · Poetry · History · Autobiographical · Memoir · Royal Family · Monarchy · Power Struggle