The Simple Ploughboy by Sabine Baring-Gould
The narrative follows a simple ploughboy who falls in love with a maiden. When their romance is discovered, her parents disapprove and force him into military service, sending him to sea. Heartbroken, the maiden disguises herself as a man and embarks on a journey to find him. She traverses various landscapes, enduring hardships, until she reaches the sea. Upon arrival, she inquires about the ploughboy's whereabouts and learns he has been pressed into service. Determined, she approaches the ship's captain, revealing her identity and her love for the ploughboy. The captain, amused by her disguise, agrees to return the ploughboy to her. In a display of her commitment, she offers a substantial sum of money to secure his release. The reunion culminates in their return to land, where they marry, symbolizing the triumph of love over adversity. The story emphasizes themes of love, sacrifice, and the defiance of societal expectations.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1895 · Genre: Folk Ballad, Romance, Adventure · 506 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. O the Ploughboy was a ploughing / With his horses on the plain, / And was singing of a song as on went he. / "Since that I have fall'n in love, / If the parents disapprove, / 'Tis the first thing that will send me to the sea."
What this Textopian page supports
The Simple Ploughboy is listed on Textopian as a short story 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: Short story
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folk Ballad, Romance, Adventure, Drama, Historical Fiction
- Length: 506 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Simple Ploughboy 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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Similar titles
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- The Wild Geese by Stanley J. Weyman
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- Harp Song Of The Dane Women by Rudyard Kipling
- The Storming Party by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- The Gipsy Countess by Sabine Baring Gould
Genres
- Folk Ballad — The narrative style and themes of love, loss, and adventure align closely with traditional folk ballads.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around a romantic relationship and the lengths to which the characters go for love.
- Adventure — The protagonist's journey across land and sea in search of her love embodies adventure elements.
- Drama — The emotional conflicts and character struggles present dramatic themes.
Tags
love · sacrifice · adventure · romance · seafaring · identity · disguise · family · loss · determination · courage · folk song