Poetry · Chapter
II: A King of Craft explained
This chapter is a satirical epitaph for Sam Chamberlain, portraying him as a duplicitous and manipulative figure—a 'titmouse Machiavelli' whose fatal smile and polite perfidy allowed him to run 'half-a-hundred little Hells.' The poem reflec
What happens
This chapter is a satirical epitaph for Sam Chamberlain, portraying him as a duplicitous and manipulative figure—a 'titmouse Machiavelli' whose fatal smile and polite perfidy allowed him to run 'half-a-hundred little Hells.' The poem reflects on his death, his hidden, mole-like soul, and the lingering uncertainty about whether he is truly gone, concluding with a sardonic relief that he no longer smiles.
Themes in this chapter
Hypocrisy and Corruption
Chamberlain is depicted as a 'dove in manner and a snake in heart,' embodying the theme of hidden vice behind a pleasant facade.
Deception and Self-Deception
The poem explores Chamberlain's lifelong deception, his 'smile that stayed them for the stab that slew,' and the ambiguity of his true nature even in death.
Mortality and Regret
The epitaph form directly addresses death, the uncertainty of Chamberlain's end, and the relief that his harmful influence has ceased.
Characters to notice
- Sam Chamberlain
The subject of the epitaph; a cunning, smiling deceiver whose 'fatal smile' and 'polite, perfidious art' are central to the chapter.
- Christ
Mentioned as rising and reigning after Chamberlain's inert, glutted state, contrasting spiritual redemption with worldly corruption.
Key passages
“Against his God his warfare now is o’er: / His bloodless heart (no colder than before) / No longer with a mute ambition swells / To run a half-a-hundred little Hells.”
His rebellion against God has ended; his cold heart no longer strives to create many small hells on earth.
Summarizes Chamberlain's ceaseless, malicious ambition and its end in death.
“With ever a polite, perfidious art— / A dove in manner and a snake in heart, / This titmouse Machiavelli ne’er again / Will feel the urge, the passion and the strain / To prove it true that one may smile and smile / And be a Chamberlain the blessed while.”
With constant, courteous treachery—gentle in behavior but venomous inside—this petty Machiavelli will no longer strive to show that a smiling face can hide a villain like Chamberlain.
Highlights the central theme of deceptive charm and the end of Chamberlain's manipulative career.
“We hope he’s dead, but only this we know: / He does not smile. O glory be to God!”
We are uncertain if he is truly dead, but we are sure he has stopped smiling—thank God.
Concludes the epitaph with ironic relief, emphasizing the ambiguity of his death and the sinister power of his smile.