Legend of Sir Patrick Spens

The Scottish ballad of Sir Patrick Spens tells the story of loyal men who follow their lord into battle, knowing they cannot survive the storm that rages at sea. Refusing to give up hope, their women wait in vain for their return. The dejected hound, however, understands only too well what the women cannot yet bear to face. The use of animals in themes such as this reflects the famous Victorian art critic and writer, Ruskin's notion that animals are as sentient as humans if on a lesser plane.

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