I Rode my Little Horse
The narrative follows a carefree and roguish protagonist who embarks on a journey from London to the countryside, seeking romantic encounters. He expresses a whimsical desire to find a maiden to court, promising marriage without any intention of specifying a timeline. Initially, he encounters a wealthy widow, living off her fortune until it runs dry, while making empty promises of marriage. His charm leads him to a vintner's daughter, where he indulges in the tavern's offerings, again pledging to marry her without commitment. As his funds deplete, both women are left in despair, lamenting his absence and unfulfilled promises. The protagonist continues his adventures, eventually meeting a poor maiden. His horse, neglected in his pursuits, runs away, leaving him to confront the reality of his romantic escapades. He proposes marriage to the impoverished maiden, but the cycle of promises without accountability looms large, reflecting themes of irresponsibility and the fleeting nature of his affections. The work captures a blend of humor and critique of romantic ideals, showcasing the protagonist's carefree attitude towards love and commitment.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1898 · Genre: Folk Song, Narrative Poetry, Romantic Comedy · 321 words
First lines
F. W. B. [Music]
1. I rode my little horse, from London town I came, I rode into the country, to seek myself a dame, And if I meet a pretty maid, be sure I'll kiss her then; And swear that I will marry her -- but will not tell her _when_!
What this Textopian page supports
I Rode my Little Horse is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folk Song, Narrative Poetry, Romantic Comedy, Adventure, Satire
- Length: 321 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for I Rode my Little Horse 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
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering I Rode my Little Horse?
- How does this poem by Sabine Baring-Gould fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Folk Song first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Old Man Cant Keep His Wife At Home by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Grey Mare by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Green Bed by Sabine Baring Gould
- Jans Courtship by Sabine Baring Gould
- A Nutting We Will Go by Sabine Baring Gould
- A Weeks Work Well Done by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Folk Song — The work is structured as a song with a narrative style typical of folk traditions, focusing on themes of love and adventure.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through verse, employing a rhythmic and lyrical style that characterizes narrative poetry.
- Romantic Comedy — The themes of courtship, humorous situations, and light-hearted interactions suggest elements of romantic comedy.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey and encounters in different settings reflect adventure themes.
Tags
poetry · romance · humor · adventure · narrative · folk song · love · marriage · country life · widow · vintner · drinking