Oscar Wilde writes this poem after serving a two-year sentence in a hard labor prison in Reading (Berkshire) (1895-1897). The plot of the ballad is based on real events: the execution of one of the prisoners - cavalry guard Charles Thomas Woolridge (c. 1866 - July 7, 1896), who was sentenced to death for the murder of his wife’s jealousy. The execution made a deep impression on the prisoner Wilde. Motives of love, deep feelings are combined with ardent compassion for the misfortune of a person.
