Among the New-Mown Hay
The narrative unfolds in a pastoral setting during May, where a speaker encounters a young maiden tending to her father's sheep amidst freshly cut hay. The speaker engages her in conversation, inquiring about her early presence in the fields. She explains that she is there to care for the sheep while passing the time by knitting and sewing. As their dialogue progresses, the speaker expresses his desire to marry her, to which she responds positively, indicating her willingness. This leads them to hastily go to church, where they are wed by Hymen, the god of marriage. The maiden's responsibilities shift as she leaves her duties of tending to the sheep behind, embracing her new role as a wife. The couple then departs for the town, celebrating their union and reflecting on their serendipitous meeting among the hay. The work captures themes of love, rural life, and the transition from youth to married life, all set against a backdrop of nature's beauty. The simplicity of the characters' lives and their swift journey from courtship to marriage highlights the joys and traditions of rural romance.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral · 325 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. As I walked out one morn betime, To view the fields in May, Sir, There I espied a fair sweet maid, Among the new-mown hay, Sir. Among the new-mown hay.
What this Textopian page supports
Among the New-Mown Hay is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Pastoral, Narrative, Folk
- Length: 325 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical language typical of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and courtship, depicting a romantic interaction between the speaker and the maid.
- Pastoral — The setting in rural fields and the focus on nature and simple rural life align with pastoral themes.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story with a clear progression of events and character interactions.
Tags
poetry · romance · nature · countryside · love · marriage · shepherd · pastoral · traditional · folk · May · innocence