In the poem "Oh, the grand old Duke of York," featured in the book by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the narrative revolves around a character known as the Duke of York, who leads a large army. The verse humorously outlines how he takes his troops up and down a hill but ultimately achieves nothing significant. This playful depiction highlights themes of leadership and the often fruitless endeavors of authority figures.

Gaiman and Pratchett's interpretation of the traditional rhyme brings depth to the simplicity of the children's verse, hinting at the absurdity of command and the cyclical nature of ambition. The Duke's actions serve as a metaphor for leaders who may parade their power while retaining little impact on their outcomes, making a witty commentary on the nature of politics and governance.