The Cottage Thatched with Straw
The narrative unfolds in a pastoral setting, focusing on the life of an old farmer who expresses contentment with his simple existence. He reflects on the joys of his modest lifestyle, emphasizing the value of home-brewed beer and brown bread, which symbolize his self-sufficiency and connection to the land. The farmer's pride in his thatched cottage, inherited from his father, highlights themes of tradition and the importance of honest labor. The farmer recounts his father's wisdom, advising him to avoid the pitfalls of legal entanglements and to cherish the fruits of hard work. This advice underscores a moral stance against greed and the pursuit of wealth at the expense of integrity. The farmer's generosity towards the less fortunate reveals his compassionate nature, as he shares his provisions with those in need, reinforcing the idea of community and mutual support. As the seasons change, the farmer remains steadfast in his faith, attending church regardless of the weather. His prayers are directed towards a higher power that nurtures the land, contrasting with the hypocrisy he perceives in those who profess piety while engaging in deceitful behavior. This juxtaposition serves to elevate the farmer's humble lifestyle as morally superior to that of the wealthy who lack genuine virtue. The refrain about the cottage and the brown bread serves as a reminder of the farmer's values: simplicity, hard work, and a deep connection to his roots. The narrative ultimately champions the idea that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in the richness of one's character and the bonds formed within a community.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Folk Literature, Pastoral Literature · 538 words
First lines
F. W. B. [Music]
1. In the days of yore, there sat at his door, An old farmer and thus sang he, 'With my pipe and my glass, I wish every class On the earth were as well as me! ' For he en-vi-ed not any man his lot, The richest, the proudest, he saw, For he had home-brew'd -- brown bread, And a cottage well thatch'd with straw, A cottage well thatch'd with straw, And a cottage well thatch'd with straw; For he had home-brew'd, brown bread, And a cottage well thatch'd with straw.
What this Textopian page supports
The Cottage Thatched with Straw 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: Poetry, Folk Literature, Pastoral Literature, Narrative Song, Social Commentary
- Length: 538 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
- The Country Farmers Son by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Barley Straw by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Painful Plough by Sabine Baring Gould
- The Sheep Washers Lament by Andrew Barton Paterson
- Another Fall Of Rain by Andrew Barton Paterson
- The Old Bark Hut by Andrew Barton Paterson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs rhythmic and lyrical elements typical of poetry.
- Folk Literature — The themes and style reflect traditional folk narratives, emphasizing rural life and values.
- Pastoral Literature — The setting and focus on agrarian life highlight the pastoral genre, celebrating rural simplicity and harmony.
- Narrative Song — The content resembles a narrative song, telling a story through lyrical verses.
Tags
cottage · straw · farmer · home-brewed · brown bread · honesty · simplicity · contentment · community · tradition · rural life · self-sufficiency