Cold Iron

Cold Iron is a poem written by Rudyard Kipling. Like many of Kipling's works, it is has a strong moral and religious message. The poem tells of a rebellion by a baron who fails, but is ultimately forgiven by his king, who turns out to be an allegory of Jesus Christ. Gold is for the mistress -- silver for the maid -- / Copper for the craftsman cunning at his trade." / "Good!" said the Baron, sitting in his hall, / "But Iron -- Cold Iron -- is master of them all." The baron then goes on to rebel against the king. He is defeated, but the king (who turns out to be Christ himself), forgives him, and the poem ends with the baron's repentance. "Crowns are for the valiant -- sceptres for the bold! / Thrones and powers for mighty men who dare to...