A Ballad Of The Two Knights

By Sara Teasdale

Narrative Poem
Two knights rode forth at early dawn A-seeking maids to wed, Said one, "My lady must be fair, With gold hair on her head." Then spake the other knight-at-arms: "I care not for her face, But she I love must be a dove For purity and grace." And each knight blew upon his horn And went his separate way, And each knight found a lady-love Before the fall of day. But she was brown who should have had The shining yellow hair, I ween the knights forgot their words Or else they ceased to care. For he who wanted purity Brought home a wanton wild, And when each saw the other knight I seen that each knight smiled.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs a traditional narrative structure, with a clear beginning, middle, and end, to explore the contrasting values of two knights seeking love. The poem's formal elements, including a consistent rhyme scheme and stanza pattern, contribute to its sense of musicality and playfulness. The use of first-person singular voice adds a sense of intimacy, as the knights' individual perspectives are presented in a straightforward manner. A notable structural turn occurs when the poem shifts from the knights' idealized visions of their ideal partners to the reality of their choices. This shift is marked by the introduction of the word wild and the image of the wanton, which disrupts the knights' initial idealism and reveals their true desires. This tonal shift is reinforced by the knights' simultaneous smiles, which suggest a sense of mutual understanding and perhaps even amusement at their own foolishness. The observation that the knight seeking purity brought home a wanton wild serves as a wry commentary on the tension between idealized values and the complexities of human desire.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.