The Four Presents

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    I had four brothers over the sea,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine;     And they each sent a present unto me.     Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine.     The first sent a goose without a bone,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine;     The second sent a cherry without a stone,     Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine.     The third sent a blanket without a thread,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine;     The fourth sent a book that no man could read,     Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine.     When the cherry's in the blossom, there is no stone,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine;     When the goose is in the egg-shell, there is no bone.     Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine.     When the wool's on the sheep's back, there's no thread,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine:     When the book's in the press, no man can read     Petrum, Partrum, Paradisi, Tempore,     Perrie, Merrie, Dixi, Domine.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem employs repetition and paradox to explore the theme of potentiality and transformation. The speaker receives gifts from their brothers that, at first glance, seem impossible: a goose without a bone, a cherry without a stone, a blanket without a thread, and a book no one can read. These seemingly absurd situations are clarified later, revealing the brothers' gifts as being in stages of potentiality or transformation. In this, the poem captures the essence of life's transient nature and the potential hidden within every stage of existence.

The poem's tone is playful and enigmatic, enhanced by the consistent repetition of the brothers' names and the cryptic Latin phrases. The structure of the poem—consistent across every stanza—contributes to its musicality and rhythm, making it feel like a nursery rhyme or a riddle. This whimsical quality juxtaposed with the profound underlying message about life's transience creates an intriguing contrast. The poem's use of paradox, another standout literary device, forces the reader to think deeper, to decipher the apparent contradictions, thus engaging them more fully in the narrative.

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.