A Courting Song.

By Jean Ingelow

Ballad
    "Master," quoth the auld hound         "Where will ye go?"     "Over moss, over muir,         To court my new jo."     "Master, though the night be merk,         I'se follow through the snow.     "Court her, master, court her,         So shall ye do weel;     But and ben she'll guide the house,         I'se get milk and meal.     Ye'se get lilting while she sits         With her rock and reel."     "For, oh! she has a sweet tongue,         And een that look down,     A gold girdle for her waist,         And a purple gown.     She has a good word forbye         Fra a' folk in the town."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This ballad, framed as a dialogue between a master and his loyal hound, explores themes of courtship and domestic harmony through stark, rhythmic lines. The poem’s structure eighteen lines of uneven but consistent meter mirrors the hound’s unwavering devotion, with each of the dog’s interjections reinforcing the master’s resolve. The hound’s voice, rendered in dialect, contrasts with the master’s brief, decisive statements, creating a dynamic of loyalty and guidance. Imagery of nature (moss, muir, snow) underscores the journey’s hardship, while details of the woman’s beauty (sweet tongue, gold girdle) suggest the rewards of perseverance. The final stanza’s shift to the hound’s anticipation of domestic bliss marks a tonal pivot, transitioning from adventure to settled contentment. The poem’s economy of language and vivid sensory details leave the reader with a sense of the hound’s quiet, unwavering faith in the master’s choices.

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.