Ballad of Low-Lie-Down
The poem presents a narrative involving two characters, Harum-Scarum and John-a-Dreams, who encounter a woman named Low-lie-down at an inn. Harum-Scarum, a confident and boisterous figure, expresses his affection for Low-lie-down, engaging in playful banter and romantic gestures. He ultimately departs, leaving her in tears. In contrast, John-a-Dreams, a more introspective and dreamlike character, approaches Low-lie-down after Harum-Scarum's exit. He offers her companionship and a promise of adventure, inviting her to escape the mundane life of the town. John-a-Dreams presents himself as a dreamer, unbothered by societal judgments, and encourages Low-lie-down to embrace a carefree existence with him. The poem explores themes of love, longing, and the contrast between the carefree spirit of a dreamer and the bravado of a more conventional suitor. It highlights the allure of adventure and the emotional complexities of relationships, ultimately suggesting a choice between fleeting passion and deeper connection. The imagery evokes a sense of romanticism and the desire for freedom, encapsulating the essence of the characters' interactions and the emotional landscape they navigate.
By Madison Cawein · First published 1902 · Genre: Romantic Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Lyric Poetry · 471 words
First lines
John-A-Dreams and Harum-Scarum Came a-riding into town: At the Sign o' the Jug-and-Jorum There they met with Low-lie-down.
Brave in shoes of Romany leather, Bodice blue and gypsy gown, And a cap of fur and feather, In the inn sat Low-lie-down.
What this Textopian page supports
Ballad of Low-Lie-Down is listed on Textopian as a short story by Madison Cawein, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Madison Cawein
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Romantic Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Ballad, Fantasy
- Length: 471 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Romantic Poetry — The poem centers on themes of love and longing between the characters John-a-Dreams and Low-lie-down.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story with a clear plot involving the interactions and emotions of the characters.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions, particularly through the dialogue and reflections of the characters.
- Ballad — The poem follows a ballad form, recounting a tale of love and adventure in a lyrical style.
Tags
Poetry · Ballad · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature · Imagery · Symbolism · Folklore · Mythology · Rural Life · Social Commentary · Environmentalism