Song Of Indian Maids. (The Missionary.)

By William Lisle Bowles

Ballad
    Oh, shout for Lautaro, the young and the brave!     The arm of whose strength was uplifted to save,     When the steeds of the strangers came rushing amain,     And the ghosts of our fathers looked down on the slain!     'Twas eve, and the noise of the battle was o'er,     Five thousand brave warriors were cold in their gore;     When, in front, young Lautaro invincible stood,     And the horses and iron-men rolled in their blood!     As the snows of the mountain are swept by the blast,     The earthquake of death o'er the white men has passed;     Shout, Chili, in triumph! the battle is won,     And we dance round the heads that are black in the sun!

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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 stirring tribute to a hero named Lautaro, who is depicted as a savior in a time of great conflict. The overarching theme is one of victory and resistance, with a significant emphasis on the triumph of indigenous people over the invasion of foreigners. The poet effectively uses powerful imagery and metaphors to underscore the intensity and violence of the conflict, such as the "steeds of the strangers" and "the ghosts of our fathers looking down on the slain," which bring to mind images of war, conquest, and the struggle for survival and dignity.

The poet's tone is triumphant and defiant, reflecting the indigenous people's pride and resilience. The structure of the poem, with its consistent rhythm and rhyme scheme, contributes to the overall atmosphere of celebration and victory, enhancing the narrative’s pacing and dynamism. The poet employs striking literary devices such as personification and simile—"As the snows of the mountain are swept by the blast," "the earthquake of death"—to depict the force and scale of the battle, mixing natural phenomena with the visceral realities of war. The poem ends on a high note, with the indigenous people rejoicing over their victory, a stark contrast to the grim imagery of the earlier stanzas. This juxtaposition underscores the resilience and determination inherent in their struggle for freedom and autonomy.

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.