Well Met! Well Met
The narrative unfolds as a dialogue between two lovers, expressing deep affection and longing. The speaker, having returned from a journey across the sea, seeks to reunite with their beloved. The lyrics convey themes of devotion and sacrifice, highlighting the speaker's willingness to forgo royal prospects for the sake of love. The speaker boasts of their maritime prowess, mentioning seven ships and a crew ready to serve the beloved. This imagery emphasizes the wealth and resources at their disposal, yet the true treasure is the love they share. The speaker offers lavish gifts, including golden slippers and a gilded boat, symbolizing both material wealth and the desire to provide comfort and joy to their partner. As the dialogue progresses, the speaker invites their beloved to embark on a journey across a golden path over the sea, suggesting a quest for an idyllic land where their love can flourish. The repeated refrain of "sweet love" reinforces the emotional bond and the idealization of their relationship. The work encapsulates the romantic ideal of love transcending social status and material wealth, focusing instead on the profound connection between the two individuals. Ultimately, the piece celebrates love's power to inspire adventure and the promise of a shared future, inviting the beloved to join in a life filled with beauty and devotion. The imagery of the sea and the journey serves as a metaphor for the trials and triumphs of love, suggesting that true happiness lies in companionship and shared experiences.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Romance, Ballad · 306 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. Well met, well met, my own true love! Long time am I seeking of thee. I am lately come from the salt, salt wave, And all for the sake, sweet love, of thee.
What this Textopian page supports
Well Met! Well Met is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romance, Ballad, Folklore, Adventure
- Length: 306 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Well Met! Well Met by Sabine Baring-Gould
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse and employs lyrical language, characteristic of poetry.
- Romance — The themes revolve around love and longing, central to romantic literature.
- Ballad — The narrative style and musical quality align with traditional ballads, telling a story through song.
- Folklore — The content reflects elements of folklore, with references to maritime themes and mythical undertones.
Tags
poetry · romance · love · sea · maritime · adventure · longing · sailing · gifts · nature · folk · traditional