The Ballad Of That P.N.

Author: Banjo Paterson (Andrew Barton)

The shades of night had fallen at last,
When through the house a shadow passed,
That once had been the Genial Dan,
But now become a desperate man,
At question time he waited near,
And on the Premier's startled ear
A voice fell like half a brick,
"Did ye, or did ye not, pay Crick
Did ye?"

By land and sea the Premier sped,
But found his foe where'er he fled,
The sailors swore, with whitened lip,
That Neptune swam behind the ship:
When to the stern the Premier ran,
Behold, 'twas no one else but Dan,
And through the roaring of the gale
That clarion voice took up the tale,
"Ahot there! Answer, straight and slick!
Did not the Ministry pay Crick
Did they?"

In railway trains he sought retreat,
But soon, from underneath the seat,
With blazing eye and bristling beard,
His ancient enemy appeared,
And like a boiling torrent ran
The accents of the angry Dan,
"Tell me, John See, and tell me quick
Did not ye pay your shares to Crick
Did ye?"
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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: The poem is a dramatic narrative that utilizes humor and suspense to explore themes of relentless pursuit and accountability. The 'Genial Dan' character is depicted as a persistent force that relentlessly questions the 'Premier', a symbol of authority, thereby challenging the power dynamics between them. The repetition of the question about paying 'Crick' serves as a recurring motif that heightens the tension and injects a sense of urgency into the narrative.

The tone of the poem is both humorous and suspenseful, with elements of satire apparent in the portrayal of the Premier's desperate attempts to evade Dan's questioning. The structure of the poem, with its episodic nature, effectively builds suspense and drives the narrative forward. The use of vivid imagery and metaphor, such as 'Neptune swam behind the ship' and 'blazing eye and bristling beard', adds depth and color to the characters, enhancing the visual appeal of the poem. The poet's use of colloquial language and dialect contributes to the authenticity of the characters and adds a layer of accessibility to the poem, making it more relatable to a general audience.

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.