
A haunting medieval vision unfolds as a grieving father mourns his vanished daughter, his sorrow rendered in a lyrical, allegorical tapestry. The poem weaves together vivid dream‑like imagery, theological reflection, and the stark intimacy of a parent’s loss, inviting listeners into a world where the sacred and the personal intertwine.
Presented in a careful modern rendering, the translation strives to keep the original’s intricate rhyme, alliteration, and rhythm while making the language accessible. Listeners will hear the delicate balance between lofty spiritual discourse and the raw, human ache that drives the narrative, offering a glimpse of the medieval mind without sacrificing poetic beauty.
Full title
The Pearl A Middle English Poem, A Modern Version in the Metre of the Original
Language
en
Duration
~53 minutes (50K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2004-08-18
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1861–1909
A gifted American poet, translator, and longtime Wellesley College professor, she wrote lyrical, reflective verse that won admiration in the late nineteenth century. Publishing some work under the name Ellen Burroughs, she also brought medieval and European texts to English-language readers.
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