A Nutting we will Go
The work presents a narrative centered around a jolly ploughman who, while working in the fields, sings a lively tune inviting his companions to go nutting. His song captures the attention of a maiden passing by, who stops to listen. The ploughman, emboldened by his song, approaches her, leading to a playful and intimate exchange where he kisses her multiple times before she can react. The narrative shifts to a cautionary tone, addressing young maidens and warning them about the dangers of engaging with ploughboys. The speaker compares the fearsome nature of wild animals to the potential risks posed by a singing ploughman, suggesting that his charm can be deceptive. The advice given to maidens is to be wary and to flee when they hear a ploughman sing, as it may lead to unwanted advances. The work combines themes of rural life, youthful romance, and cautionary advice, encapsulating the playful yet serious undertones of interactions between young men and women in a pastoral setting. The repeated refrain emphasizes the carefree spirit of nutting while simultaneously serving as a warning about the consequences of such encounters. The juxtaposition of merriment and caution creates a rich tapestry of rural life, highlighting both the joys and perils of youthful encounters.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Folk Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry · 400 words
First lines
H. F. S. [Music]
1. 'Tis of a jolly ploughing-man, Was ploughing of his land, He called, Ho! he called, Wo! And bade his horses stand. Upon his plough he sat, I trow, And loud began to sing, His voice rang out, so clear and stout, It made the horse bells ring. For a nutting we will go, my boys, A nutting we will go, From hazel bush, loud sings the thrush, A nutting we will go!
What this Textopian page supports
A Nutting we will Go is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folk Poetry, Romanticism, Narrative Poetry, Pastoral, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 400 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Nutting we will Go by Sabine Baring-Gould
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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- Where does Folk Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Folk Poetry — The work embodies traditional folk themes and storytelling, characteristic of folk poetry.
- Romanticism — The poem explores themes of nature, love, and youthful innocence, aligning with Romantic ideals.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through verse, featuring characters and a plot.
- Pastoral — The setting and themes reflect pastoral elements, focusing on rural life and nature.
Tags
folk song · ploughing · nature · romance · countryside · harvest · youth · innocence · love · adventure · tradition · music