The Keenly Lode by Sabine Baring-Gould
The narrative follows the exploits of a character known as Uncle Pengerric, a self-proclaimed captain and dowser who claims to possess the ability to locate valuable mineral deposits. He is characterized by his boastful nature and his ability to attract followers, convincing them to invest in a mining venture in Brandy Moor, where he promises great wealth from a rich lode of tin. As the story unfolds, Uncle Pengerric's confidence leads to the establishment of a mining company, with shares sold to eager investors. He presents himself as a preacher, leveraging his reputation to gain trust and financial backing. However, despite his assurances, the mining operation quickly proves to be a failure. After digging only a short distance, the miners uncover an old horse's shoe instead of the promised riches. The tale highlights themes of greed, deception, and the folly of blind faith in charismatic leaders. Uncle Pengerric's downfall is marked by his inability to deliver on his promises, leading to the loss of both his credibility and the investments of those who believed in him. Ultimately, he disappears from the scene, leaving behind a legacy of disappointment and the realization that his supposed luck was nothing more than a mirage. The refrain about the "keenly lode" serves as a reminder of the allure of wealth and the dangers of misplaced trust.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Folk Literature, Satire · 452 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. Old Uncle Pengerric a Captain was, / A dowser shrewd was he; / Who feathered his nest from the keenly lode / That ruined you and me. / The Captain was traversing Brandy Moor, / With hazel twig in hand, / The hazel twisted and turned about / And brought him to a stand. / CHORUS. Oh! the keenly lode, the keenly lode / Of bâlls the best, my boys; / Old Uncle Pengerric very well know'd / How to feather his nest, my boys.
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical elements, characteristic of poetry.
- Folk Literature — The content reflects traditional themes and storytelling methods common in folk literature, particularly with its focus on local characters and lore.
- Satire — The narrative critiques human greed and folly, particularly in the context of mining and fortune-seeking.
- Ballad — The repetitive chorus and storytelling format align with the characteristics of a ballad.
Tags
mining · Cornwall · folklore · humor · satire · adventure · greed · superstition · dowsing · preacher · fortune · failure
What this Textopian page supports
The Keenly Lode is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Folk Literature, Satire, Ballad, Historical Fiction
- Length: 452 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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