Master

By Arthur Conan Doyle

Ballad
    Master went a-hunting,     When the leaves were falling;     We saw him on the bridle path,     We heard him gaily calling.     'Oh master, master, come you back,     For I have dreamed a dream so black!'     A glint of steel from bit and heel,     The chestnut cantered faster;     A red flash seen amid the green,     And so good-bye to master.     Master came from hunting,     Two silent comrades bore him;     His eyes were dim, his face was white,     The mare was led before him.     'Oh, master, master, is it thus     That you have come again to us?'     I held my lady's ice-cold hand,     They bore the hurdle past her;     Why should they go so soft and slow?     It matters not to master.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a poignant narrative presenting themes of mortality, loss, and the transient nature of life, employing a mix of sombre tones and vivid imagery. The author uses the metaphor of a hunting journey to tell a tale of a master's departure and tragic return, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life.

The structure of the poem is traditional, with a consistent rhyme scheme that allows a rhythm to build up, creating a sense of inevitability. The first stanza is filled with movement and energy, contrasted sharply with the stillness and finality of the last stanza. This dichotomy effectively portrays the sudden change brought about by death.

The imagery used is striking, such as the 'glint of steel from bit and heel' and the 'red flash seen amid the green', which imply danger and foreboding. This is juxtaposed with the cold, silent image of 'my lady's ice-cold hand', representing the chilling reality of death. The repetition of the phrase 'Oh, master, master' serves to underscore the sense of loss and longing. The final lines, 'Why should they go so soft and slow? / It matters not to master', are particularly haunting, underlining the irrevocable nature of death.

In conclusion, the poem is a vivid exploration of life's fleeting nature, using a hunting journey as a metaphor to encapsulate the unpredictability of life and the inevitability of death. Its sombre tone, engaging structure, and rich imagery make it a gripping piece of work.

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.