The Ballad of the King's Jest
The narrative unfolds in a vibrant setting where traders journey through the Khyber Pass, bringing goods to Peshawar. The atmosphere is rich with the sights and sounds of a bustling camp, where camels, ponies, and tribesmen converge. The protagonist engages with Mahbub Ali, a muleteer, sharing a meal and discussing the weighty matters of women, horses, power, and war. As the conversation shifts to the looming threat of Russian forces, Mahbub Ali expresses skepticism about the wisdom of warning a king about potential dangers. He recounts the tale of Wali Dad, a man whose eagerness to inform the king of an impending war leads to tragic consequences. Wali Dad, driven by rumors and a desire for recognition, interrupts a royal gathering to share his fears, only to be met with disdain from the king and his advisors. The king, Gholam Hyder, feigns interest but ultimately uses Wali Dad's zeal against him, placing him in a precarious position atop a tree to watch for the enemy. Isolated and trapped, Wali Dad descends into madness, ultimately meeting a grim fate. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of unsolicited counsel and the unpredictable nature of royal favor. The protagonist reflects on the futility of trying to predict the king's reactions and the inherent dangers of war. The narrative concludes with a return to the theme of love, suggesting that amidst the chaos of power and conflict, the pursuit of love remains paramount. The work encapsulates the complexities of loyalty, the consequences of ambition, and the unpredictable nature of fate in a world governed by power dynamics.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1913 · Genre: Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 1,426 words
First lines
When spring-time flushes the desert grass, Our kafilas wind through the Khyber Pass. Lean are the camels but fat the frails, Light are the purses but heavy the bales, As the snowbound trade of the North comes down To the market-square of Peshawur town.
What this Textopian page supports
The Ballad of the King's Jest is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1913 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Drama, Satire
- Length: 1,426 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Ballad of the King's Jest by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Ballad of the King's Jest?
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- Where does Narrative Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Narrative Poetry — The work is structured as a ballad, utilizing poetic form to tell a story.
- Historical Fiction — The poem references historical themes and settings related to the Khyber Pass and the dynamics of power and war.
- Adventure — The narrative involves travel and exploration, characteristic of adventure tales.
- Drama — The poem contains dramatic elements, including conflict and emotional tension surrounding the themes of war and loyalty.
Tags
humor · satire · poetry · narrative · royalty · fool · court · adventure · wisdom · folklore · character study · social commentary