Yattendon

By Henry John Newbolt, Sir

Ballad
    Among the woods and tillage         That fringe the topmost downs,     All lonely lies the village,         Far off from seas and towns.     Yet when her own folk slumbered         I heard within her street     Murmur of men unnumbered         And march of myriad feet.     For all she lies so lonely,         Far off from towns and seas,     The village holds not only         The roofs beneath her trees:     While Life is sweet and tragic         And Death is veiled and dumb,     Hither, by singer's magic,         The pilgrim world must come.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a thoughtful and evocative meditation on the contrast between solitude and the vibrancy of life, and the power of art to bridge the two. The poet employs imagery of a secluded village, "among the woods and tillage / that fringe the topmost downs," to represent the solitude and tranquility of rural life. This is juxtaposed against the "murmur of men unnumbered / and march of myriad feet," denoting the vitality and movement of human life. This contrast is a key theme of the poem, highlighting the coexistence of tranquility and turmoil within the human experience.

The rhythm and structure of the poem mirror this dichotomy, with the calm, steady cadence reflecting the peaceful village, and the sudden introduction of bustling life breaking the tranquility. The use of metaphor, particularly in the poem's closing lines, reveals another significant theme: the transformative power of art, specifically, the "singer's magic." This indicates that art (perhaps poetry itself) acts as a conduit, drawing the "pilgrim world" to this tranquil village, thus bridging the gap between quiet solitude and the invigorating energy of life. The poem's tone is contemplative and serene, yet carries a subtle undercurrent of vibrancy, illustrating the poet's ability to capture the complexity and beauty of life's dichotomies.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.