BALLAD.

BY E. A. POE.

The ring is on my hand,

And the wreath is on my brow

Satins and jewels grand,

And many a rood of land,

Are all at my command,

And I am happy now!

He has loved me long and well,

And, when he breathed his vow,

I felt my bosom swell,

For the words were his who fell

In the battle down the dell,

And who is happy now!

And he spoke to re-asure me,

And he kissed my pallid brow

But a reverie came o're me,

And to the church-yard bore me,

And I sighed to him before me,

"O, I am happy now!"

And thus they said I plighted

An irrevocable vow

And my friends are all delighted

That his love I have requited

And my mind is much benighted

If I am not happy now!

Lo! the ring is on my hand,

And the wreath is on my brow

Satins and jewels grand,

And many a rood of land,

Are all at my command,

And I must be happy now!

I have spoken I have spoken

They have registered the vow

And though my faith be broken,

And though my heart be broken,

Behold the golden token

That proves me happy now!

Would God I could awaken!

For I dream I know not how!

And my soul is sorely shaken,

Lest an evil step be taken,

And the dead who is forsaken

May not be happy now!

Task: create a short, direct, and concise scholarly reflection that explores the theme of this poem. Make sure it utilize objective language and professional tone.

Note: This is an English Literary Trend and Traditions course.