Romulus and Remus
Romulus and Remus - meaning Summary
Founding Myth as Ruthless Practicality
Kipling retells the Romulus and Remus legend as a sober tale of pragmatic violence. The 'Wolf-Child' cares little for ideals; he builds a crude wall, then kills his mocking brother when that threat reveals the future fragility of power. The poem frames Rome's foundation as an act of cold foresight: sacrificial brutality put practical order above love, art, or glory, ensuring the city's survival at moral cost.
Read Complete AnalysesOh, little did the Wolf-Child care-- When first he planned his home, What City should arise and bear The weight and state of Rome. A shiftless, westward-wandering tramp, Checked by the Tiber flood, He reared a wall around his camp Of uninspired mud. But when his brother leaped the Wall And mocked its height and make, He guessed the future of it all And slew him for its sake. Swift was the blow--swift as the thought Which showed him in that hour How unbelief may bring to naught The early steps of Power. Foreseeing Time's imperilled hopes Of Glory, Grace, and Love-- All singers, Caesars, artists, Popes-- Would fail if Remus throve, He sent his brother to the Gods, And, when the fit was o'er, Went on collecting turves and clods To build the Wall once more!
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