The Franklin's Maid (From 'The White Company')

By Arthur Conan Doyle

Ballad
    The franklin he hath gone to roam,     The franklin's maid she bides at home;     But she is cold, and coy, and staid,     And who may win the franklin's maid?     There came a knight of high renown     In bassinet and ciclatoun;     On bended knee full long he prayed -     He might not win the franklin's maid.     There came a squire so debonair,     His dress was rich, his words were fair.     He sweetly sang, he deftly played -     He could not win the franklin's maid.     There came a mercer wonder-fine,     With velvet cap and gaberdine;     For all his ships, for all his trade,     He could not buy the franklin's maid.     There came an archer bold and true,     With bracer guard and stave of yew;     His purse was light, his jerkin frayed -     Haro, alas! the franklin's maid!     Oh, some have laughed and some have cried,     And some have scoured the countryside;     But off they ride through wood and glade,     The bowman and the franklin's maid.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem draws upon medieval romantic and pastoral themes to tell a tale of courtly love, valor, and the power of authenticity. The focus is on the unattainable franklin's maid, an object of desire for various archetypes of medieval society - the knight, the squire, the mercer, and the archer. Each suitor represents different facets of the society, including valor, wealth, and charm, yet none can win the maid's heart.

The poem's tone is playful yet poignant, suggesting a contemplation of the true nature of love and virtue. The franklin's maid, despite the advances of the wealthy and noble, finally chooses the humble archer, perhaps underscoring the value of sincerity over material possessions or societal status. The poem's structure, with its consistent rhyming scheme, supports a rhythmic storytelling approach, enhancing the narrative quality. Its repeated refrain - "the franklin's maid" - emphasizes the central theme and the maid's importance. The poet's use of archaic language and references to medieval clothing and societal roles transport the reader to another era, making the poem not just a love story, but also a reflection on the values of a bygone time.

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.