Ballad: Sir Barnaby Bampton Boo

In “Sir Barnaby Bampton Boo,” a lively ballad tells the tale of Sir Barnaby Bampton Boo, the last of his noble lineage, hastening to court a lady in the quaint town of Tuptonvee. His arrival stirs excitement among the local women, all eager at the prospect of marrying into nobility, despite none knowing who he would choose. The narrative introduces Mr. and Mrs. De Plow, a couple engaged in farming and raising livestock, who boast two daughters, Amelia and Volatile Nell. Sir Barnaby approaches the De Plows, declaring his vast wealth and expressing his interest in marrying either of their daughters.

The father, Peter De Plow, presents his daughters to Sir Barnaby. Amelia is described as modestly beautiful but possessing superior morals, qualities that Sir Barnaby admires, acknowledging the value of her morality. On the other hand, Nell, while prettier, is portrayed as frivolous, more concerned with her appearance than intellectual pursuits, showing no interest in the philosopher Tupper’s works, which were evidently respected for their commercial success.

The ballad humorously juxtaposes the characters’ virtues and vices, hinting at Sir Barnaby’s priorities in choosing a bride. The mention of Tupper and the emphasis on Nell’s disregard for his writing adds a comedic element, critiquing societal standards and the contrast between appearance and moral substance. Through the portrayal of Sir Barnaby, the De Plows, and their daughters, the ballad satirizes the courtship rituals of the time, playfully exploring themes of wealth, morality, and matrimonial aspirations in Victorian society.