There Was A Lady Loved A Swine

Author: Walter Crane

1.
    There was a lady loved a swine,
    "Honey!" said she;
    "Pig-hog, wilt thou be mine?"
    "Hunc!" said he.

2.
    "I'll build thee a silver sty,
    Honey!" said she;
    "And in it thou shalt lie!"
    "Hunc!" said he.

3.
    "Pinned with a silver pin,
    Honey!" said she;
    "That thou mayest go out and in,"
    "Hunc!" said he.

4.
    "Will thou have me now,
    Honey?" said she;
    "Speak, or my heart will break,"
    "Hunc!" said he.
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a fascinating blend of humor, absurdity, and melancholy, exploring themes of unrequited love, desperation, and the human-animal dichotomy. The poem centers on a lady's affection for a swine, a love that is obviously not reciprocated, as indicated by the swine's nonchalant responses ("Hunc!"). The lady's use of endearments ("Honey") and her offers of care and domesticity (a silver sty, a silver pin) contrast sharply with the swine's indifference.

Structurally, the poem is consistent, maintaining a simple rhyme scheme and repetitive refrain. This consistency, coupled with the absurd premise, injects humor into the narrative, highlighting the ridiculousness of the lady's situation. The tone is tragicomic, oscillating between the comedic absurdity of the situation and the tragic desperation of unrequited love.

The poem also uses the device of anthropomorphism, attributing human emotions and characteristics to the swine, and in doing so, underscores the fruitless nature of the lady's love. This can be seen as a broader commentary on the futility of seeking love and emotional fulfillment in places where it cannot be found. It's this combination of humor, absurdity, and unrequited love that makes the poem both entertaining and thought-provoking.

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.