EdwardEdwardEdward

"Why does you sword so drip with blood,
Edward Edward,
Why does your sword so drip with blood,
And why so sad go ye, O?"
"Edward"
Anonymous


This poem is a conversation between a son and mother. The speaker switches about every 4 lines between the two. In the above excerpt, the image of the sword dripping with blood may represent guilt. Edward has killed his father ("O I have killed my father") and now he is going to face consequences. The poem repeats several lines numerous times throughout to emphasize the seriousness of the crime Edward has committed. Edward tries to hide his crime by saying it was a hawk or a steed. He finally admits to his mother that he has killed his father. The mother worries about what punishment awaits for him, what will happen to his children and wife, and what will happen to his occupation, rather than the fact that her husband has just been murdered. I suppose neither Edward nor his Mother cared too much for the father because there is little grief or sadness regarding his death. The main focus is that Edward will face hell for the crime that he has committed. This poem aims to show that you cannot escape the consequences of your actions.