A BETROTHAL

In “A Betrothal” from “Legends and Lyrics–First Series,” the narrator vividly recounts an impromptu evening at a local farmer’s ball, marking the betrothal of the farmer’s daughter. The setting is sketched with an air of excitement and cultural immersion—beginning with the surprise hearing of a band’s music, a rarity in their mountainous retreat. Quickly, the narrator and companions, including children and Madame B., decide to attend, shedding any somber attire in respect of the celebration’s jubilance.

Upon arrival, they are greeted warmly despite a language barrier, as they do not speak Piedmontese, the local dialect. The venue, a large, plainly decorated kitchen, is notable for its whitewashed walls adorned with smoky, somber paintings, possibly of religious martyrdom, contrasting starkly with the joyous occasion. The music, provided by a quintet from the National Guard’s band, is unexpectedly impressive, prompting the narrator, with Madame B.’s encouragement, to overcome concerns of propriety and invite the bride for a dance. The bride is described in detail as strikingly beautiful, reminiscent of Uwins’s artworks, punctuating the narrator’s intense visual and cultural experiences at the ball.

The dance, a Polka-Mazourka, becomes a pivotal moment for the narrator, allowing a personal connection amid the broader scene of revelry. This anecdote, richly layered with observations of the setting, customs, and the people, not only portrays a vivid tableau of a cultural encounter but also encapsulates a moment of personal boldness and the universal joy of a celebration of love and community.