An adaptation of the traditional ballad, variously ascribed to Thackeray, Dickens, and Cruikshank; the text is generally attributed to Thackeray or Cruikshank, the introduction and notes to Dickens.

Release date is 2005-04-14

E-text prepared by Jason Isbell, Ben Beasley, and the Project Gutenberg Online Distributed Proofreading Team

"The Loving Ballad of Lord Bateman" by Dickens and Thackeray is a narrative poem written in the early 19th century. This work combines elements of romantic adventure and folklore, showcasing the tale of a noble lord's exploits. It serves as a ballad that captures themes of love, captivity, and the complexities of desire, reflecting the broader romantic traditions of its time. The story revolves around Lord Bateman, a nobleman who embarks on a journey but finds himself captured in Turkey. While imprisoned, he is aided by the beautiful daughter of his captor, who gives him love and support before he returns to his homeland. After seven years, a twist of fate occurs when she seeks him out, only to find that he has married another. However, Lord Bateman's devotion to his first love remains strong, leading to a comical resolution where he manages to juggle both relationships, ultimately relying on social status and wealth to navigate his romantic dilemmas. This light-hearted ballad illustrates both the absurdity and charm of love's trials. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Originally published: London: Charles Tilt, Fleet Street. And Mustapha Syried, Constantinople. MDCCCXXXIX.