The King's Wake, and Other Ballads E-Book

George Borrow

• Herausgeber: DigiCat
• Kategorie: Sachliteratur, Reportagen, Biografien
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2022

Beschreibung

In "The King's Wake, and Other Ballads," George Borrow presents a collection of lyrical narratives steeped in the traditions of English folklore and local history. With a unique literary style that interweaves poetic form and rhythmic storytelling, Borrow captures the essence of 19th-century England, resonating with Romantic sensibilities while also showcasing influences from the oral traditions of balladry. The work reflects Borrow's fascination with mythic themes and national identity, exploring the cultural ramifications of monarchy and its relationship with the common people. George Borrow, a notable figure in the realms of travel writing and linguistics, has often been associated with the Romani culture and the landscapes of Spain and Britain. His passion for languages and folklore greatly informed this collection, as he traveled throughout England documenting the stories of ordinary people. Borrow's unique upbringing and various cultural encounters fueled his desire to highlight the overlooked traditions and narratives of the British Isles, making him a pioneering voice in the preservation of folk heritage. Readers seeking a rich tapestry of poetic storytelling will find "The King's Wake, and Other Ballads" to be a captivating exploration of cultural and historical nuances. This collection not only illuminates Borrow's narrative prowess but also invites the reader to engage with the echoes of a bygone era, reaffirming the enduring power of folklore in understanding the complexities of identity.

Leseprobe

George Borrow

The King's Wake, and Other Ballads

 

EAN 8596547381662

DigiCat, 2022 Contact: [email protected]

Table of Contents

THE KING’S WAKE

SWAYNE FELDING

INNOCENCE DEFAMED

THE KING’S WAKE

Table of Contents

To-night is the night that the wake they hold, To the wake repair both young and old.

Proud Signelil she her mother address’d: “May I go watch along with the rest?”

“O what at the wake wouldst do my dear? Thou’st neither sister nor brother there.

“Nor brother-in-law to protect thy youth, To the wake thou must not go forsooth.

“There be the King and his warriors gay, If me thou list thou at home wilt stay.”

“But the Queen will be there and her maiden crew, Pray let me go, mother, the dance to view.”

So long, so long begged the maiden young, That at length from her mother consent she wrung.

“Then go, my child, if thou needs must go, But thy mother ne’er went to the wake I trow.”

Then through the thick forest the maiden went, To reach the wake her mind was bent.

When o’er the green meadows she had won, The Queen and her maidens to bed were gone.

And when she came to the castle gate They were plying the dance at a furious rate.

There danced full many a mail-clad man, And the youthful King he led the van.

He stretched forth his hand with an air so free, “Wilt dance, thou pretty maid, with me?”

“O, sir, I’ve come across the wold That I with the Queen discourse might hold.”

“Come dance,” said the King with a courteous smile, “The Queen will be here in a little while.”

Then forward she stepped like a blushing rose, She takes his hand and to dance she goes.

“Hear Signelil what I say to thee, A ditty of love sing thou to me.”

“A ditty of love I will not, Sir King, But as well as I can another I’ll sing.”

Proud Signil began, a ditty she sang, To the ears of the Queen in her bed it rang.

Says the Queen in her chamber as she lay: “O which of my maidens doth sing so gay?

“O which of my maidens doth sing so late, To bed why followed they me not straight?”

Then answered the Queen the little foot page, “ ’Tis none of thy maidens I’ll engage.

“ ’Tis none I’ll engage of the maiden band, ’Tis Signil proud from the islet’s strand.”