The Cossack. an Ancient Ballad. from the Malo-Ru
The Cossack is a poem written by George Borrow that tells the story of a group of Ukrainian Cossacks who are fighting against their enemies, the Turks and Tatars. The poem describes the bravery and courage of these warriors as they battle for their freedom and independence. It also highlights the importance of loyalty and brotherhood among the Cossack community.
By George Borrow · First published 1834 · Genre: Ballad, Poetry, Historical · 296 words
First lines
O'er the field the snow is flying, There a wounded Cossack's lying; On a bush his head he's leaning, And his eyes with grass is screening, Meadow-grass so greenly shiny, And with cloth the make of China; Croaks the raven hoarsely o'er him, Neighs his courser sad before him: "Either, master, give me pay, Or dismiss me on my way."
"Break thy bridle, O my courser, Down the path amain be speeding, Through the verdant forest leading; Drink of two lakes on thy way, Eat of mowings two the hay; Rush the castle-portal under, With thy hoof against it thunder, Out shall come a Dame that moaneth, Whom thy lord for mother owneth; I will tell thee, my brave prancer, When she speaks thee what to answer.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cossack. an Ancient Ballad. from the Malo-Russian is listed on Textopian as a poem by George Borrow, dated 1834 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George Borrow
- Date: 1834 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Ballad, Poetry, Historical, Folklore, Tragedy
- Length: 296 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Cossack. an Ancient Ballad. from the Malo-Russian by George Borrow
- 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 The Cossack. an Ancient Ballad. from the Malo-Russian?
- How does this poem by George Borrow fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Ballad first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Ancient Ballad From The Malo Russian by George Borrow
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- The Kings Wake And Other Ballads by George Borrow
- King Byrge And His Brothers by George Borrow
- The Three Sons Of Budrys A Lithuanian Ballad From The Polish Of Mickiewicz by George Borrow
- The Rhyme Of The Three Sealers by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Ballad — The work is explicitly described as a ballad, characterized by its narrative verse form and lyrical style.
- Poetry — The structure and use of rhyme and meter align with traditional poetic forms.
- Historical — The reference to Cossacks and cultural elements suggests a historical context.
- Folklore — The narrative and themes are reminiscent of traditional folk stories and legends.
Tags
Cossack · ballad · Malo-Russian · folklore · poetry · ancient · literature · narrative · cultural · historical · tradition · epic