Meaning & Analysis
The proverb establishes a hierarchy and characterization of four major European rulers by defining what they rule over: the German Emperor governs other rulers, the Spanish king governs men of substance, the French king governs stubborn or burdened subjects (asses), and the English king governs rebellious subjects (devils).
Insights
The Nature of Governance
The proverb serves as a powerful metaphor for different forms of governance and the relationship between a ruler and their subjects. Each pairing (e.g., France/asses, England/devils) metaphorically encapsulates the perceived political and social character of that nation during the early modern period.
National Character and Reputation
It metaphorically represents the national characters as seen by rivals. 'Kings' implies a fragmented aristocracy. 'Men' suggests a populace of substance and worth. 'Asses' implies a docile, exploited population. 'Devils' suggests a rebellious, chaotic, and perhaps dangerously independent people.
A Satire on Royal Authority
The proverb is a satirical commentary on the sources of royal power. It suggests that a monarch's authority is defined by the people they rule. Power over other nobles (Germany) is different from power over wealthy citizens (Spain), exploited laborers (France), or intractable rebels (England).
Historical and Political Context
This proverb reflects the political realities and national stereotypes of early modern Europe. The Holy Roman Emperor's title 'king of kings' refers to his nominal authority over the many German princes. The King of Spain's rule over 'men' suggests a kingdom of wealthy, influential subjects, funded by New World riches. The French king's rule over 'asses' critiques the heavy taxation and subjugation of the French peasantry, treated as beasts of burden. The English king's rule over 'devils' points to a perception of the English as rebellious, politically turbulent, and difficult to govern, a view likely informed by the Reformation and conflicts between the Crown and Parliament.
Comparative Models of Power
The proverb functions as a piece of comparative political theory, contrasting different models of power. Germany represents a decentralized, feudal system; Spain, a wealthy monarchy; France, an absolutist state built on exploitation; and England, a monarchy constrained by a defiant populace. It captures the essence of major European power dynamics in a single, memorable phrase.
National Stereotypes and Satire
The labels are powerful national caricatures, revealing how these rival nations perceived one another. The term 'devils' for the English is particularly striking; while derogatory, it also carries a connotation of fierce independence and an unruly spirit, which could be interpreted with a degree of national pride, suggesting the proverb may have an English origin.
Rhetorical Devices
Parallelism
The proverb's structure relies on parallelism, repeating the phrase 'the King of...' to create a rhythmic and easily comparable list of political assessments.
Metaphor
Each classification ('kings', 'men', 'asses', 'devils') is a potent metaphor that symbolizes the political and social condition of each nation's subjects, making the critique both sharp and memorable.
Juxtaposition
The proverb uses sharp juxtaposition to contrast the four kingdoms, creating a comparative political analysis that highlights the distinct character of each monarchy.
Transcription
Quotations
Cross References
- See Sm., p. 433.
Related Proverbs
Original Scan
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