Sunday, August 19, 2012

What was the request made by the Chief of Ulva's isle to the boatman in "Lord Ullin's Daughter"?

"Lord Ullin's Daughter" is a ballad by Thomas Campbell. The poet narrates the tragic love story of the Chief of Ulva and Lord Ullin's daughter. The opening lines of the poem evoke a vivid image of an anxious Chieftain requesting a boatman to row him and his beloved across Lochgyle. The Scottish Chieftain promises a silver pound to the boatman for the latter's service and asks him to take them without any delay.
The restlessness and uneasiness of the Chieftain make the boatman curious about the identity of the people, who are willing to risk their lives in the stormy weather. Then the Chieftain introduces himself as the Chief of Ulva's isle and his beloved as Lord Ullin's daughter. The Chieftain further describes their woeful situation; the lovers have been running from Lord Ullin and his men for three days. Lord Ullin doesn't approve of their romance and plans to capture and kill him. The boatman agreed to ferry them for the sake of the charming lady, despite the impending storm.

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