Gif A Lassie Spurn A Laddie

Author: A. H. Laidlaw

    Gif a lassie spurn a laddie
    Wi' her needless Nays,
    Thraves will pet the hapless plaidie
    Wi' their loving ways;
    So if Kirsty blaw him cauldly
    As a winter day,
    Bess and Belle will bless him bauldly
    Wi' the breath of May.

    Prudery still affects the valley,
    Shady and alane,
    Meeting souls that loveward sally,
    Icy as a stane.
    On the mountain true Love singeth,
    Liberty is there;
    Dalliance wingeth, Pleasure springeth,
    From her waving hair.

    On the peaks abide the pleasures,
    Young and sweet and free,
    Yoked with Youth's immortal treasures,
    Love and Liberty;
    So, the hilltops seek while soaring,
    Eaglet of Love's sky;
    Light adorned and Light adoring,
    Bask, and burn and die.
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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 navigates through the landscape of love and rejection, contrasting the cold valleys of disdain with the warm, liberating peaks of genuine affection. The poet uses a dialect that enhances the authenticity of the setting, further immersing the reader in the emotional journey of the protagonist. The use of Scottish vernacular, such as "lassie," "laddie," and "bauldly," lends a cultural richness and depth to the narrative.

The poem is structured into three stanzas, each one exploring a different facet of love. The first stanza presents the theme of rejection and the potential for new love, while the second stanza delves into the coldness of insincere affection, symbolized by the icy valley. The third stanza, however, elevates the narrative to the peaks of young, free, and true love, signifying hope and liberation.

The poet employs vivid imagery and personification, particularly in the second and third stanzas, to depict the stark contrast between false and genuine love. The personification of Prudery as a cold, lonely entity in the valley and the depiction of true Love as a singing entity on the mountain are notable. The poem concludes on a poignant note with the line "Bask, and burn and die," emphasizing the all-consuming nature of passionate love.

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.