Bonnie Peg

By Robert Burns

Ballad
I.         As I came in by our gate end,             As day was waxin' weary,         O wha came tripping down the street,             But Bonnie Peg my dearie! II.         Her air sae sweet, and shape complete,             Wi' nae proportion wanting;         The Queen of Love did never move             Wi' motion mair enchanting. III.         Wi' linked hands, we took the sands             A-down yon winding river;         And, oh! that hour and broomy bower,             Can I forget it ever?

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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 beautiful and heartfelt expression of love and longing, which is evident through its themes, tone, and structure. The speaker recounts a chance encounter with his beloved, Bonnie Peg, displaying a tone of deep affection and fond nostalgia. The progression of the narrative, from the initial encounter to their shared journey down the winding river, creates a sense of a warm, cherished memory.

The language is rich with vivid imagery and a sense of the pastoral, a key feature of Romantic-era poetry. This is evident in the descriptions of Bonnie Peg and the natural environment around them. The poet uses rhythmic structure and rhyme to create a lyrical and harmonious feeling, further enhancing the romantic tone of the poem. The repetition of 'w' sounds in the second stanza creates a soothing, melodious effect, which could be seen as a form of alliteration. The final stanza leaves the reader with a sense of longing and a strong emotional resonance, with the rhetorical question emphasizing the speaker's enduring love and the permanence of the memory. Overall, the poem is a testament to the enduring power of love, articulated through evocative imagery and careful linguistic choices.

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.