A Maiden Sat a Weeping
A maiden mourns by the seashore, expressing her sorrow and weariness. She feels a deep emotional pain, lacking comfort and joy in her life. In her lament, she contemplates setting sail on a journey, symbolized by her silver sail and silk rope, suggesting a desire for escape and freedom. The imagery of her cypress mast and milky track evokes a sense of purity and longing. As she prepares to leave, she predicts that her unfaithful love will regret her departure, highlighting themes of betrayal and heartache. The work captures the essence of loss and the yearning for solace amidst emotional turmoil.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1894 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad · 199 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. A maiden sat a-weeping Down by the sea shore, What ails my pretty mistress? What ails my pretty mistress? And makes her heart sore!
2. Because I am a-weary, A-weary in mind, No comfort, and no pleasure, love, No comfort, and no pleasure, love, Henceforth can I find.
3. I'll spread my sail of silver, I'll loose my rope of silk, My mast is of the cypress-tree, My mast is of the cypress-tree, My track is as milk.
What this Textopian page supports
A Maiden Sat a Weeping is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1894 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: 1894 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Ballad, Folk, Lyric
- Length: 199 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, longing, and emotional expression align with the Romantic genre.
- Ballad — The narrative style and focus on a story of love and sorrow fit the ballad form.
- Folk — The content reflects folk traditions and themes, often found in folk literature.
Tags
poetry · romance · melancholy · sea · love · loss · longing · nature · sailing · heartbreak · folk · traditional