Valentines - I. To Mistress Barbara

Author: Eugene Field

    There were three cavaliers, all handsome and true,
    On Valentine's day came a maiden to woo,
    And quoth to your mother: "Good-morrow, my dear,
    We came with some songs for your daughter to hear!"

    Your mother replied: "I'll be pleased to convey
    To my daughter what things you may sing or may say!"

    Then the first cavalier sung: "My pretty red rose,
    I'll love you and court you some day, I suppose!"

    And the next cavalier sung, with make-believe tears:
    "I've loved you! I've loved you these many long years!"

    But the third cavalier (with the brown, bushy head
    And the pretty blue jacket and necktie of red)
    He drew himself up with a resolute air,
    And he warbled: "O maiden, surpassingly fair!
    I've loved you long years, and I love you to-day,
    And, if you will let me, I'll love you for aye!"

    I (the third cavalier) sang this ditty to you,
    In my necktie of red and my jacket of blue;
    I'm sure you'll prefer the song that was mine
    And smile your approval on your valentine.
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Type of Poem: Narrative Poem

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

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Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem is a charming narrative verse that explores the themes of love, courtship, and competition. The structure of the poem is organized and straightforward, unfolding like a play with distinct characters and a clear story. It uses the occasion of Valentine's Day as a backdrop to frame a romantic contest among three "cavaliers" for the affections of a maiden.

The tone of the poem is light-hearted and playful, with a sense of nostalgic romanticism. The speaker uses clear and evocative imagery such as the "pretty red rose," "make-believe tears," and the "brown, bushy head" to characterize each suitor, making the poem vivid and engaging. The use of direct speech and song adds a dynamic layer, bringing the characters to life and lending an auditory quality to the poem. The third cavalier's declaration of enduring love serves as the climax of the poem, presenting a bold and confident assertion of love.

The twist in the final stanzas, where the speaker reveals himself as the third suitor, adds a personal and intimate dimension, making his plea directly to the reader. The use of color - the red necktie and the blue jacket - serves as a memorable visual marker, reinforcing the speaker's identity and his emotional appeal. The poem ends on a hopeful note, with the speaker expressing certainty about the maiden's preference for his song, leaving the reader with a sense of anticipation and satisfaction.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.