Lady Ann by James McIntyre (1864)
A Highland clan faces despair due to their chief's lack of an heir. The clan seeks solutions, consulting prophets and seers, ultimately deciding to make a pilgrimage to a shrine on Christmas Day, believing it will bring a miracle. Despite harsh weather and a flooded river, they reach the shrine and perform their devotions, hoping for divine intervention. On their return, they must cross a precarious bridge. During the crossing, Lady Ann is pushed into the river by Carlock, who believes in superstitions and fears the supernatural. He thinks she has drowned, leading him to a tragic end when he sees her ghostly figure later. However, Lady Ann survives, having been rescued by a miller and his family after floating down the river. Initially thought to be dead, she recovers and eventually gives birth to children, fulfilling the clan's hopes for an heir. The pilgrimage, despite its dangers, leads to happiness and prosperity for Lady Ann and the chief, dispelling their earlier fears.
By James McIntyre · First published 1864 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Folklore · 521 words
First lines
A Highland clan were in despair Because their chief he had no heir, And even the women of the clan, Enchantments tried 'gainst Lady Ann.
They consulted prophets and seers, And they at last did quell their fears;
What this Textopian page supports
Lady Ann is listed on Textopian as a poem by James McIntyre, dated 1864 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: James McIntyre
- Date: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Folklore, Adventure, Drama
- Length: 521 words
- Structure: 1 section, 23 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, relationships, and the desire for heirs within a clan.
- Folklore — The narrative incorporates elements of superstition, pilgrimage, and traditional beliefs associated with Highland culture.
- Adventure — The characters undertake a perilous journey to a shrine, facing natural obstacles and dangers.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Romance · Drama · Tragedy · Poetic Prose · Literary Classic · 19th Century Literature · English Novel · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Love Story · Family Drama