Author: Arthur Conan Doyle

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    Pennarby shaft is dark and steep,
    Eight foot wide, eight hundred deep.
    Stout the bucket and tough the cord,
    Strong as the arm of Winchman Ford.
    'Never look down!
    Stick to the line!'
    That was the saying at Pennarby mine.

    A stranger came to Pennarby shaft.
    Lord, to see how the miners laughed!
    White in the collar and stiff in the hat,
    With his patent boots and his silk cravat,
    Picking his way,
    Dainty and fine,
    Stepping on tiptoe to Pennarby mine.

    Touring from London, so he said.
    Was it copper they dug for? or gold? or lead?
    Where did they find it? How did it come?
    If he tried with a shovel might HE get some?
    Stooping so much
    Was bad for the spine;
    And wasn't it warmish in Pennarby mine?

    'Twas like two worlds that met that day -
    The world of work and the world of play;
    And the grimy lads from the reeking shaft
    Nudged each other and grinned and chaffed.
    'Got 'em all out!'
    'A cousin of mine!'
    So ran the banter at Pennarby mine.

    And Carnbrae Bob, the Pennarby wit,
    Told him the facts about the pit:
    How they bored the shaft till the brimstone smell
    Warned them off from tapping--well,
    He wouldn't say what,
    But they took it as sign
    To dig no deeper in Pennarby mine.

    Then leaning over and peering in,
    He was pointing out what he said was tin
    In the ten-foot lode--a crash! a jar!
    A grasping hand and a splintered bar.
    Gone in his strength,
    With the lips that laughed -
    Oh, the pale faces round Pennarby shaft!

    Far down on a narrow ledge,
    They saw him cling to the crumbling edge.
    'Wait for the bucket! Hi, man! Stay!
    That rope ain't safe! It's worn away!
    He's taking his chance,
    Slack out the line!
    Sweet Lord be with him!' cried Pennarby mine.

    'He's got him! He has him! Pull with a will!
    Thank God! He's over and breathing still.
    And he--Lord's sakes now! What's that? Well!
    Blowed if it ain't our London swell.
    Your heart is right
    If your coat IS fine:
    Give us your hand!' cried Pennarby mine.

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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: The poem depicts the stark contrast between two worlds - the laborious life of miners and the privileged existence of an outsider, represented by the 'London swell'. The theme of class division is prominent, as is the examination of courage and communal spirit in the face of adversity. The tone is distinctly narrative, filled with humor, irony, and a touch of suspense, ultimately leading to dramatic revelation and appreciation.

The structure and rhythm are rhythmic and engaging, employing a consistent rhyme scheme that enhances the story-like quality of the poem. The poet cleverly uses direct speech, banter, and local dialect to bring characters to life and add authenticity to the setting. The repetition of "Pennarby mine" at the end of each stanza serves as an effective refrain, emphasizing the importance of the mine as the central entity in the lives of its workers.

Metaphors are used to depict the danger associated with the mine ("Pennarby shaft is dark and steep, Eight foot wide, eight hundred deep") and the stark differences between the miners and the stranger ("'Twas like two worlds that met that day - The world of work and the world of play"). The climax of the poem, where the stranger saves a miner, is depicted through dramatic and suspenseful imagery, providing a satisfying resolution that overturns initial judgments and perceptions about the outsider. In this, the poem ultimately suggests a shared humanity that transcends class and occupational boundaries.