The Little Woman And The Pedlar

By Walter Crane

Ballad
    There was a little woman, as I've heard say,     Fol, lol, diddle, diddle dol;     She went to market, her eggs for to sell,     Fol, lol, diddle, diddle dol.     She went to market all on a market day,     And she fell asleep upon the king's highway;     Fol de rol de lol lol lol lol lol,     Fol, lol, diddle, diddle dol.]     2 And there came a pedlar whose name was Stout,     Fol, lol, &c.,     He cut her petticoats all round about,     Fol, lol, &c.,     He cut her petticoats up to her knees,     Which made the little woman to shiver and freeze,     Fol de rol, &c.     3 When the little woman began to awake,     Fol, lol, &c.,     She began to shiver, and she began to shake,     Fol, lol, &c.,     She began to shake, and she began to cry,     Lawk-a-mercy on me! this is none of I,     Fol de rol, &c.     4 If it be I, as I suppose it be,     Fol lol, &c.,     I've a little dog at home, and he knows me;     Fol, lol, &c.,     If it be I, he will wag his little tail,     If it be not I, he will bark and rail,     Fol de rol, &c.     5 And when the little woman went home in the dark,     Fol, lol, &c.,     Her little dog he did begin to bark,     Fol, lol, &c.,     He began to bark, and she began to cry,     Lawk-a-mercy on me! this is none of I,     Fol de rol, &c.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, steeped in traditional narrative verse, employs a playful, rhythmic structure to recount the tale of a woman's misadventure. The narrative unfolds in a linear fashion, each stanza adding a new layer to the story and building anticipation for the reader.

The use of repetition and nonsensical phrases like "Fol, lol, diddle, diddle dol" and "Fol de rol de lol lol lol lol lol," reminiscent of a nursery rhyme, sets a light-hearted tone. However, beneath this guise of simplicity, the poem subtly explores themes of identity, societal norms, and the vulnerability of being a woman in public spaces.

The protagonist's identity is challenged and infringed upon by the pedlar, named Stout. This attack on her physical appearance leads to a crisis of self, as she questions her own identity based on her dog's reaction. This serves as a metaphor for the societal pressures and expectations that women face, often being defined by their appearances or the way they are perceived by others.

Despite the seemingly frivolous tone, the author cleverly uses the narrative and structure to highlight the protagonist's resilience and assertiveness. The repeated phrase "Lawk-a-mercy on me! this is none of I," serves a dual purpose: it underscores the protagonist's shock of self-discovery and also asserts her refusal to be defined by her altered appearance.

The poem, therefore, while seeming a simple narrative verse, provides a nuanced examination of identity, societal expectations, and resilience in the face of adversity.

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.