Lines - On The Camp Hill, Near Hastings

By Thomas Campbell

Ballad
    In the deep blue of eve,     Ere the twinkling of stars had begun,     Or the lark took his leave     Of the skies and the sweet setting sun,     I climbed to yon heights,     Where the Norman encamped him of old,     With his bowmen and knights,     And his banner all burnished with gold.     At the Conqueror's side     There his minstrelsy sat harp in hand,     In pavilion wide;     And they chaunted the deeds of Roland.     Still the ramparted ground     With a vision my fancy inspires,     And I hear the trump sound,     As it marshalled our Chivalry's sires.     On each turf of that mead     Stood the captors of England's domains,     That ennobled her breed     And high-mettled the blood of her veins.     Over hauberk and helm     As the sun's setting splendour was thrown,     Thence they looked o'er a realm     And to-morrow beheld it their own.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem possesses a rich historical narrative, exploring themes of conquest, chivalry, transitions, and the passage of time. It takes the reader on a journey back to medieval times, specifically to the Norman conquest of England, a transformative period in history. The poet immerses us in a vivid tableau of knights and bowmen preparing for battle under the watchful gaze of a setting sun.

The poem's tone is both reflective and anticipatory, creating a poignant contrast between the tranquil beauty of nature and the impending violence of conquest. This juxtaposition is further enhanced by a well-constructed structure that alternates between the natural world and the human action unfolding within it. The poem also employs evocative imagery and historical references to paint a vivid picture of the scene, allowing the reader to experience it in a deeply sensory manner. The use of archaic language and phrases, such as "harp in hand," "chaunted the deeds of Roland," and "marshalled our Chivalry's sires," adds a layer of authenticity, further immersing the reader in the historical moment.

Concluding with the image of the sun's setting splendor cast over the warriors' armor, the poem captures a sense of impending change – the eve of a new era. This anticipation is encapsulated in the final line, as the warriors envision the land they are about to conquer as their own. Overall, the poem brilliantly blends history, anticipation, and the beauty of nature, resulting in a rich and evocative exploration of a pivotal moment in 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.