# The Psoriad explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

The King of Scotland, frustrated by his courtiers' failed remedies for his skin ailment and their divisive rivalries, threatens to force them to apply a compounded lotion of all their failed treatments. As they kneel in submission, the goddess Caledonia strips them, but the king flees in horror, dashing the phial to the ground, where it becomes a fountain. The backs of the courtiers already bear the mark of the Rosy Witch.

## Themes in this chapter

### Political Satire

The king's address mocks courtiers' self-serving counsel and the futility of their political and medical prescriptions.

### Hypocrisy and Corruption

The courtiers' pretended wisdom and loyalty are exposed as empty, and the king's own tyranny is revealed.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The narrator recounts the satirical tale of the King of Scotland and his courtiers.

## Key lines

> The King of Scotland, years and years ago, Convened his courtiers in a gallant row And thus addressed them: “Gentle sirs, from you Abundant counsel I have had, and true: What laws to make to serve the public weal; What laws of Nature’s making to repeal; What old religion is the only true one, And what the greater merit of some new one; What friends of yours my favor have forgot; Which of your enemies against me plot.”

The king sarcastically thanks his courtiers for their advice on laws, religion, and politics, implying it has been self-serving.

_Opens the satire by highlighting the courtiers' manipulative counsel._

> Now, caitiffs, tremble, for this very hour Your injured sovereign shall assert his power! Behold this lotion, carefully compound Of all the poisons you for me have found⁠— Of biting washes such as tan the skin, And drastic drinks to vex the parts within. What aggravates an ailment will produce⁠— I mean to rub you with this dreadful juice!

The king threatens to apply a lotion made from all their failed remedies, turning their own poison against them.

_Climax of the king's revenge, blending physical and political punishment._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/the-psoriad
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters