The Broken Token
A young maiden encounters a sailor during a summer evening stroll. The sailor, captivated by her beauty, implores her to stay. The maiden, however, is burdened by sorrow, recalling a dark-eyed sailor who left her three years prior, taking with him a ring that symbolized their love. He had broken the ring, keeping half for himself and leaving her with the other half as a token of their bond. As she reminisces, she is reminded of the fickleness of love, as the sailor advises her to forget the man who abandoned her, likening men to the ever-changing wind. He warns her that love can grow cold, much like a winter morning. Despite this, the maiden expresses her enduring pain, comparing her heartache to the holly that remains green amidst the harsh winter, bearing red berries that symbolize her sorrow. In a moment of revelation, the sailor reveals his own half of the broken ring, dispelling her tears and sorrow. He proposes that they unite in marriage, suggesting that their love can mend the broken token, symbolizing their commitment to one another. The narrative intertwines themes of love, loss, and the hope of renewal, encapsulated in the imagery of the broken ring that signifies both separation and the potential for reconciliation.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1880 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Ballad · 363 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. One summer evening, a maiden fair Was walking forth in the balmy air, She met a sailor upon the way; 'Maiden stay' he whispered, 'Maiden stay' he whispered 'O pretty maiden, stay!'
What this Textopian page supports
The Broken Token is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1880 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1880 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Ballad, Folk, Drama
- Length: 363 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The central theme revolves around love, longing, and emotional connections between characters.
- Ballad — The narrative style and storytelling elements align with traditional ballad forms, often recounting tales of love and loss.
- Folk — The themes and style reflect folk traditions, often conveying cultural narratives and emotional experiences.
Tags
love · sorrow · marriage · seafaring · longing · loss · token · ring · change · nature · emotion · heartbreak