Old English Lullaby by Eugene Field
The poem is a lament for the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human life. It expresses a sense of nostalgia and longing for a lost era of innocence and simplicity. The speaker describes a serene and peaceful scene, evoking a sense of calmness and tranquility. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, emphasizing the brevity of human existence.
By Eugene Field · First published 1889 · Genre: Poetry, Children's Literature, Folklore · 239 words
First lines
Hush, bonnie, dinna greit; Moder will rocke her sweete, -- Balow, my boy! When that his toile ben done, Daddie will come anone, -- Hush thee, my lyttel one; Balow, my boy!
Gin thou dost sleepe, perchaunce Fayries will come to daunce, -- Balow, my boy! Oft hath thy moder seene Moonlight and mirkland queene Daunce on thy slumbering een, -- Balow, my boy!
Then droned a bomblebee Saftly this songe to thee: "Balow, my boy! " And a wee heather bell, Pluckt from a fayry dell, Chimed thee this rune hersell: "Balow, my boy!"
Soe, bonnie, dinna greit; Moder doth rock her sweete, -- Balow, my boy! Give mee thy lyttel hand, Moder will hold it and Lead thee to balow land, -- Balow, my boy!
What this Textopian page supports
Old English Lullaby is listed on Textopian as a poem by Eugene Field, dated 1889 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Eugene Field
- Date: 1889 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Children's Literature, Folklore, Fantasy, Romanticism
- Length: 239 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Old English Lullaby by Eugene Field
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Old English Lullaby?
- How does this poem by Eugene Field fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Dolls Wooing by Eugene Field
- The Poets Love For The Children by James Whitcomb Riley
- Through Sleepy Land by James Whitcomb Riley
- Gold And Love For Dearie by Eugene Field
- Sicilian Lullaby by Eugene Field
- Asleep O Sleep A Little While White Pearl by John Keats
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a lyrical composition that employs rhythm and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Children's Literature — The lullaby format and themes of comfort and sleep make it suitable for a young audience.
- Folklore — The references to fairies and traditional elements suggest a connection to folklore.
- Fantasy — The presence of magical elements like fairies indicates a fantasy genre influence.
Tags
Poetry · Lullaby · Nostalgia · Childhood · Sleep · Dreams · Fantasy · Imagination · Whimsy · Romanticism · Sentimental · Melancholy