Death Song Of The Enfants Perdus

Author: A. H. Laidlaw

    'Tis here we invade the valley,
    Away from the realms of breath,
    And, in most successful sally,
    We enter the gates of death;
    So, stand in the last line steady,
    'Tis here our true glory lies;
    Hurrah for the dead already!
    Three cheers for the next who dies!

    Though here, the wet eyes of woman
    Will fill with the falling tear,
    Yet, facing old Death, our foeman,
    We shout our reviving cheer.
    Though high beat the hearts we cherish,
    The dead we most highly prize:
    Hurrah for the first to perish!
    Three cheers for the next who dies!

    The earth we now leave behind us,
    The heavens now beckon before,
    Though dust of the dead may blind us,
    We march for the shining shore;
    No more can our Hope deceive us,
    Our heart to it now replies,
    Hurrah for the first to leave us!
    Three cheers for the next who dies!
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem demonstrates an intriguing perspective on mortality, with a focus on valor, courage, and an almost celebratory take on death. The recurring theme is the glorification of death, with the speaker repeatedly cheering for those who have died and those who are next to die. This theme is reminiscent of the ethos of warriors or soldiers who view death in battle as a form of honor. The tone is paradoxically both somber and jubilant, creating a dissonance between the traditionally grim subject matter of death and the enthusiastic cheers that punctuate each stanza. The cheer, "Hurrah for the first to perish! Three cheers for the next who dies!" creates a paradoxical sense of joy in the face of death.

The poem's structure is consistent, with each stanza containing a cheering refrain that reinforces the theme. The usage of anaphora, the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive lines, helps to underline this theme by driving home the speaker's exultation in

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.