A Ballad

by Jonathan Swift — a poem card from Justes Mots

Swift's satirical ballad in Irish vernacular discusses the execution of the Duke of Ormond, using folk-song style and colloquial Irish English with comic irreverence toward political figures and judicial authority. The poem demonstrates Swift's use of satire and dialect for social commentary. Valued by literature scholars and those appreciating eighteenth-century political wit.

Patrick astore,[1] what news upon the town?
By my soul there's bad news, for the gold she was pull'd down,
The gold she was pull'd down, of that I'm very sure,
For I saw'd them reading upon the towlsel[2] doore.
Sing, och, och, hoh, hoh.[3]

Arrah! who was him reading? 'twas jauntleman in ruffles,
And Patrick's bell she was ringing all in muffles;…

Themes: birthday · wedding · anniversary · graduation