Ballades & Rhymes from Ballades in Blue China and Rhymes a la Mode

by Andrew Lang

"Ballades & Rhymes from Ballades in Blue China and Rhymes à la Mode" by Andrew Lang is a collection of lyrical poetry crafted during the early 20th century. The work showcases a variety of ballades—a poetic form with a musical quality—alongside whimsical and reflective rhymes that explore themes such as nature, love, wisdom, and the passage of time. The collection celebrates the beauty of language and literary tradition while offering a playful yet profound examination of human experience and emotion. The opening of the collection introduces readers to the form and tone of Lang's work. It begins with a brief history of the ballade form and reflects on its revival in England, setting the stage for the ensuing poems. The initial ballade serves as a light-hearted invitation to find solace and joy in the verses, presenting a charming image of a "dainty troop" of ballades aimed at relieving the burdens of everyday life. As the reader progresses through the opening, they encounter glimpses of various subjects that will shape the collection, such as the beauty of ancient blue china, the allure of poetic endeavors, and an exploration of memory and nostalgia, all interwoven with a rich tapestry of rhyme and meter.