Tales of a Wayside Inn : Part 1. the Musician's Tale; the Saga of King Olaf 15
Tales of a Wayside Inn : Part 1. the Musician's Tale; the Saga of King Olaf 15 - form Summary
Refrain Propels the Ballad
This piece is cast as a traditional ballad: short stanzas, a repeating refrain and a brisk narrative voice. The refrain "Hoist up your sails of silk" propels a town-gossip perspective as it recounts Thyri fleeing an unhappy marriage to Burislaf, reaching King Olaf’s court, and ultimately becoming his queen. The form emphasizes rumor, movement, and public consequence—heightening the political stakes and the tale’s oral, communal atmosphere.
Read Complete AnalysesA little bird in the air Is singing of Thyri the fair, The sister of Svend the Dane; And the song of the garrulous bird In the streets of the town is heard, And repeated again and again. Hoist up your sails of silk, And flee away from each other. To King Burislaf, it is said, Was the beautiful Thyri wed, And a sorrowful bride went she; And after a week and a day, She has fled away and away, From his town by the stormy sea. Hoist up your sails of silk, And flee away from each other. They say, that through heat and through cold, Through weald, they say, and through wold, By day and by night, they say, She has fled; and the gossips report She has come to King Olaf's court, And the town is all in dismay. Hoist up your sails of silk, And flee away from each other. It is whispered King Olaf has seen, Has talked with the beautiful Queen; And they wonder how it will end; For surely, if here she remain, It is war with King Svend the Dane, And King Burislaf the Vend! Hoist up your sails of silk, And flee away from each other. Oh, greatest wonder of all! It is published in hamlet and hall, It roars like a flame that is fanned! The King--yes, Olaf the King-- Has wedded her with his ring, And Thyri is Queen in the land! Hoist up your sails of silk, And flee away from each other.
Feel free to be first to leave comment.