I Had A Little Nut-Tree

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    I had a little nut-tree, nothing would it bear     But a silver nutmeg and a golden pear;     The King of Spain's daughter came to visit me,     And all for the sake of my little nut-tree.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This succinct four-line poem is an intriguing blend of fantasy and reality, featuring a whimsical yet profound exploration of themes such as desire, wealth, and royalty. The poem uses a nursery rhyme-like structure, with a simple A-B-C-B rhyme scheme, lending it a playful and rhythmic quality.

The first two lines introduce an unusual, fantastical situation wherein a small nut-tree bears an unlikely fruit: a silver nutmeg and a golden pear, objects of apparent luxury and beauty. This imagery conveys a sense of magical realism and might symbolize unexpected wealth or unique value. The latter two lines introduce a high-profile visitor, the King of Spain's daughter, who comes all for the sake of the little nut-tree. This can be interpreted as an exploration of desire or fascination for the unattainable, or perhaps as a commentary on how the seemingly insignificant can hold great allure or value. The tone of the poem is light-hearted, yet the underlying themes suggest a deeper, more thoughtful contemplation on the nature of attraction and value.

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.