The Alcaldes Daughter

By Madison Julius Cawein

Ballad
    The times they had kissed and parted      That night were over a score;     Each time that the cavalier started,      Each time she would swear him o'er,     "Thou art going to Barcelona!      To make Naxera thy bride!     Seduce the Lady Yna!      And thy lips have lied! have lied!     "I love thee! I love thee, thou knowest!      And thou shalt not give away     The love to my life thou owest;      And my heart commands thee stay!     "I say thou hast lied and liest!      For where is there war in the state?     Thou goest, by Heaven the highest!      To choose thee a fairer mate.     "Wilt thou go to Barcelona      When thy queen in Toledo is?     To wait on the haughty Yna,      When thou hast these lips to kiss?"     And they stood in the balcony over      The old Toledo square:     And weeping she took for her lover      A red rose out of her hair.     And they kissed farewell; and higher      The moon made amber the air:     And she drew for the traitor and liar      A stiletto out of her hair....     When the night-watch lounged through the quiet      With the stir of halberds and swords,     Not a bravo was there to defy it,      Not a gallant to brave with words.     One man, at the corner's turning,      Quite dead. And they stoop or stand     In his heart a dagger burning,      And a red rose crushed in his hand.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a dramatic narrative, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and revenge. The poet employs a storytelling approach, keeping the reader engaged with its unfolding plot, which culminates in an act of passionate vengeance. The structure is straightforward, with the poet utilizing a consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme to ensure the narrative flows smoothly, creating a sense of harmony that is juxtaposed with the violent climax of the poem.

The tone is one of sorrow and anger, reflecting the protagonist's sense of betrayal and her subsequent act of revenge. The repetition of certain phrases ("Thou art going to Barcelona!", "I love thee! I love thee, thou knowest!") intensifies these emotions, emphasizing the protagonist's desperation and heartbreak. The use of exclamations also underlines the protagonist's emotional upheaval.

Symbolism is a key literary device used within the poem. The red rose, initially, is a symbol of love and affection, given to the cavalier as he departs. However, the rose later transforms into a symbol of death when found crushed in the cavalier's hand. Similarly, the stiletto, initially concealed in the protagonist's hair, becomes an instrument of death. This duality of symbols offers a poignant commentary on the thin line between love and hate, and how quickly passion can turn into violence.

In essence, the poem is a tragic tale of love gone awry, illustrating the destructive power of betrayal and the lengths to which a scorned lover may go in response.

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.