A Song of the Princess
The poem explores the inner turmoil of a princess surrounded by admirers, each vying for her affection through songs and praises. Despite their efforts, her heart is drawn to a solitary knight who remains indifferent and aloof. This unrequited love creates a deep sense of longing within her, contrasting the superficial attention from her many suitors. The princess's emotional state is marked by bitterness and desire, as she yearns for the silent knight's acknowledgment. Her silence in response to her other admirers highlights her fixation on the one who does not engage with her, suggesting that true love is not merely about admiration but about a deeper connection. The poem captures the essence of longing and the pain of unreciprocated feelings, emphasizing the complexity of love and desire. The princess's willingness to sacrifice her well-being for a single word from the knight underscores the intensity of her emotions and the profound impact of love on her psyche. Ultimately, the work delves into themes of love, longing, and the emotional struggles that accompany the pursuit of genuine connection amidst superficiality.
By Sara Teasdale · First published 1917 · Genre: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Narrative Poetry · 103 words
First lines
The princess has her lovers, A score of knights has she, And each can sing a madrigal, And praise her gracefully.
But Love that is so bitter Hath put within her heart A longing for the scornful knight Who silent stands apart.
And tho' the others praise and plead, She maketh no reply, Yet for a single word from him, I ween that she would die.
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of the Princess is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sara Teasdale, dated 1917 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sara Teasdale
- Date: 1917 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Lyric Poetry, Romantic Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Symbolism, Elegiac Poetry
- Length: 103 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Song of the Princess by Sara Teasdale
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal emotions and feelings, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, longing, and unrequited affection are central to the poem, aligning it with romantic poetry.
- Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story of the princess and her emotional conflict, fitting the narrative poetry genre.
- Symbolism — The use of symbols, such as the princess and the knights, conveys deeper meanings about love and desire.
Tags
love · longing · princess · knights · madrigal · heartbreak · desire · silence · scorn · unrequited love · romance · poetry