All of the main themes in Chaucer's “A Ballad of Gentleness” relate in some way to virtue, or moral excellence. First of all, we have the theme of virtue's overriding importance. Virtue is a prerequisite to being a gentleman, and anyone aspiring to this status should not just cultivate virtue but shun vice.

If a man is to lead a virtuous life, then he must follow the example of Christ; this is the second main theme of the poem. In the opening line, Chaucer refers to “the firste stock-father of gentleness,” a reference to Christ, who embodied all the virtues—such as honesty, sobriety, piety, and freedom—and sought to teach men by his example.

A man may be rich; he may wear a mitre—the large hat worn by a bishop—a crown or diadem, but unless he follows the example of Christ, he will not achieve gentleness, or nobility of spirit as we might call it.

The last main theme in the poem is the nonhereditary nature of virtue. It isn't something that can be handed down from one generation to the next like a piece of property. It can only be bestowed upon us by God.

This means, among other things, that true virtue does not necessarily come to the high and mighty; it is a gift freely bestowed by the Almighty on any man, irrespective of his wealth or social position.