A Ballad of Jakkko Hill
A Ballad of Jakkko Hill - context Summary
Inspired by Darjeeling Memories
Written around 1885 and inspired by Kipling’s time in India, this ballad frames a brief lovers’ meeting on Jakko (Jakko) Hill above Darjeeling. It records an inscription dated 10-7-85 and moves from sudden devotion to calm separation. The poem treats youthful vows as idleness mistaken for fate, using the hill’s mist as a symbol of transience and the end of a light, comic episode in the speakers’ lives.
Read Complete AnalysesOne moment bid the horses wait, Since tiffin is not laid till three, Below the upward path and strait You climbed a year ago with me. Love came upon us suddenly And loosed an idle hour to kill A headless, harmless armory That smote us both on Jakko Hill. Ah, Heaven! we would wait and wait Through Time and to Eternity! Ah, Heaven! we could conquer Fate With more than Godlike constancy I cut the date upon a tree Here stand the clumsy figures still: “10-7-85, A.D.” Damp in the mists on Jakko Hill. What came of high resolve and great, And until Death fidelity? Whose horse is waiting at your gate? Whose ‘rickshaw-wheels ride over me? No Saint’s, I swear; and let me see To-night what names your programme fill We drift asunder merrily, As drifts the mist on Jakko Hill. L’Envoi Princess, behold our ancient state Has clean departed; and we see ‘Twas Idleness we took for Fate That bound light bonds on you and me. Amen! Here ends the comedy Where it began in all good will, Since Love and Leave together flee As driven mist on Jakko Hill!
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