A Country Dance
The work presents a vibrant celebration of rural life, emphasizing the joy and freedom found in nature and communal festivities. It opens with a picturesque depiction of a pastoral setting, where the beauty of the landscape and the sounds of animals signal the end of labor and the beginning of merriment. The narrator invites fellow villagers to abandon their daily toil and join in the revelry, highlighting the contrast between work and play. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms into one of enchantment, with natural elements like glow-worms and fragrant flowers enhancing the sense of magic. The imagery evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for simpler times, where community bonds are strengthened through shared experiences. The characters, including farmer lads and lasses, are encouraged to participate in traditional dances, reinforcing the importance of cultural heritage and collective joy. The rhythmic structure of the verses mirrors the lively nature of the dances, creating an infectious energy that invites readers to envision themselves in the scene. The refrain emphasizes the question of why one should toil when the beauty of life offers such delightful alternatives. The work culminates in a call to action, urging everyone to take their partners and join in the dance, symbolizing unity and the celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Overall, the narrative encapsulates the essence of rural festivities, portraying a harmonious relationship between humans and nature, and the timeless joy found in community gatherings.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Folk, Pastoral · 495 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. When lambkins skip, and apples are growing, Grass is green, and roses ablow, When pigeons coo, and cattle are lowing, Mist lies white in valleys below, Why should we be all the day toiling? Lads and lasses, along with me! Done with drudgery, dust and moiling Haste away to the green-wood tree.
What this Textopian page supports
A Country Dance is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Folk, Pastoral, Lyric, Celebratory
- Length: 495 words
- Structure: 1 section, 10 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for A Country Dance by Sabine Baring-Gould
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, utilizing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Folk — The themes and content reflect rural life and traditional customs, typical of folk literature.
- Pastoral — The imagery and themes focus on rural settings and the simplicity of country life.
- Lyric — The expressive nature of the verses conveys personal feelings and emotions related to nature and celebration.
Tags
poetry · folk · dance · nature · rural · celebration · pastoral · community · harvest · joy · tradition · seasons