Poetry · Chapter
The King and Peasant explained
A narrative poem about King Humbert of Italy, who, disguised in plain clothes and accompanied only by his setters, goes shooting and encounters a peasant.
What happens
A narrative poem about King Humbert of Italy, who, disguised in plain clothes and accompanied only by his setters, goes shooting and encounters a peasant. The peasant, impressed by the King's marksmanship, hires him to kill a fox that has been raiding his chickens. The King succeeds, accepts a simple breakfast as payment, and later sends gifts via a carriage, winning the peasant family's lasting affection and admiration.
Themes in this chapter
Moral Lessons and Domestic Virtue
The poem illustrates the virtue of humility and kindness across social classes, as the King's simple, generous actions earn the peasant family's lasting loyalty and gratitude.
Community and Social Gatherings
The shared meal and the subsequent gift-giving create a bond between the King and the peasant family, emphasizing the importance of hospitality and mutual respect.
Characters to notice
- King Bomba
Portrayed as King Humbert of Italy, a skilled hunter who disguises himself and interacts kindly with a peasant.
- Jane
The peasant's wife, who serves breakfast to the disguised King and later receives a gift.
Key passages
“The King he dearly loves to shoot In plain garb without his suite; He casts aside his Kingly fetters, All his escort are two setters.”
The King enjoys hunting in ordinary clothes, free from royal constraints, accompanied only by his two setters.
Highlights the King's desire for simplicity and freedom from courtly duties.
“And he gave the King his breakfast, His majesty enjoyed repast, And kindly chatted to the dame, Forgetting all his rank and fame.”
The peasant served the King breakfast, which His Majesty enjoyed, and he spoke warmly with the peasant's wife, setting aside his royal status.
Emphasizes the King's humility and genuine interaction with commoners.
“They love to view him in glass case, So they may cunning features trace. It to them doth pleasure bring, As it reminds them of their King, Who did one morn at break of day. Enemy of their chickens slay.”
The family treasures the stuffed fox in a glass case, as it reminds them of the King who killed their chickens' enemy at dawn.
Shows how the fox trophy becomes a cherished memento of the King's kindness and skill.