Lady Nairne
Lady Nairne (1766-1845) The Laird o' Cockpen The poem is a tale of a wealthy laird who seeks a wife but whose offer of marriage is turned down by a lady who has no money. While the poem has a humourous and satirical tone it covers a serious theme of the time, where marriage arrangements were often governed by social status and wealth. By refusing the offer from a older man, which would have ensured her a house and a title, the lady was considered 'daft', although her response was that of person not swayed by social status. The Laird o' Cockpen The laird o’ Cockpen, he’s proud an’ he’s great, His mind is ta’en up wi’ the things o’ the State; He wanted a wife, his braw house to keep, But favour wi’ wooin’ was fashious to seek. Down by the dyke-side a lady did dwell, At his table head he thocht she’d look well, M’Leish’s ae dochter o’ Clavers-ha’ Lea, A penniless lass wi’ a lang pedigree. His wig was weel pouther’d and as gude as new, His waistcoat was white, ...
William Tennent (1784-1848) is a forgotten figure in Scottish literary history. A teacher, scholar and linguist, who in his spare time composed poems, plays, and several works of interest. 'Anster Fair' (1812) was written in the Italian ottava rima style, and well received by critics. His second poem 'The Thane of Fife' (1822) was his second published work, written in the Italian canto form, where a long narrative poem is divided into cantos for the purpose of being sung by a minstrel. The work would be republished several times and whilst a entertaining and exciting tale of dark-age warfare and the supernatural it did not become as popular as his first work. Tennent would go on to write plays which were not well received, covering subjects such as 'John Balliol' and 'Cardinal Beaton'.
ReplyDeleteThe Thane of Fife is a poem about a battle in 9th century Fife, between Constantine, King of the Scots and the invading Vikings aided by the Picts. The story not only involves heroic characters and bloody conflicts, there are also supernatural and mythological references as Norse Gods and Celtic magic compete with early Scottish Christianity. The work is both entertaining and imaginative, and shows Tennent to have been a artist who possibly should be better remembered for his contribution to Scottish literature.
The Thane of Fife: A Poem by William Tennent (1822) https://amzn.eu/d/6Rf58W8
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