By Chance it Was
The narrative unfolds in a pastoral setting where the speaker encounters a beloved in a serene myrtle grove at dawn. The initial surprise of their meeting is underscored by the beauty of nature, with birds singing and a pleasant atmosphere surrounding them. The speaker expresses admiration for the maiden, who is depicted as timid and coy, prompting a dialogue about her presence in the grove. The maiden reveals her purpose: tending to her flock of ewes and lambs, which adds a layer of innocence and pastoral charm to the scene. As they walk together, the speaker shares his commitment to remain in his current situation for three years, asking the maiden to wait for him until he can marry her. The maiden's response reflects a sense of longing, as she finds the wait excessively long. In a lyrical exchange, the speaker reassures her that love can make time feel fleeting, suggesting that their deep affection will sustain them through the years apart. The themes of love, patience, and the passage of time are central to the work, encapsulated in the idyllic imagery of nature and the tender relationship between the two characters. The speaker's optimism and the maiden's yearning create a poignant tension, highlighting the emotional stakes of their commitment. The work ultimately explores the interplay between love and time, set against a backdrop of pastoral beauty.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Lyric · 411 words
First lines
H. F. S. [Music]
1. By chance it was I met my love, It did me much surprise, Down by a shady myrtle grove, Just as the sun did rise. The birds they sang right gloriously, And pleasant was the air; And there was none, save she and I, Among the flowers fair.
What this Textopian page supports
By Chance it Was 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, Romance, Lyric, Pastoral, Narrative
- Length: 411 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for By Chance it Was by Sabine Baring-Gould
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering By Chance it Was?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love and courtship between the speaker and the maiden.
- Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and thoughts, typical of lyric poetry.
- Pastoral — The setting in a natural landscape and the focus on rural life align with pastoral themes.
Tags
love · romance · nature · poetry · meeting · surprise · myrtle grove · birds · morning · innocence · longing · contentment